Did I kill the thread?

The two tier usage is my idea also, but my idea is the first tier will use passive sensors primarily that will spot E2 Hawkaye from a very long distance, giving a rough idea where to look closer, then send in 1-2 to switch on the search radar where the Carrier is believed to be located, preferably armed with an AMRAAM to take out a Hawkeye that gets close enough to spot the UAV.
I think the same platform can be used, but modified with emphasis on sensors vs weapon load depending on mission.

Okay so the first UAV/aircraft detects the Hawkeye by passive means (ESM), then communicates this to the second which is meant to approach the carrier group and use its search radar with being detected…..?

Also see my PM.

But a really Stealthy UAV will have problems finding the carrier, or any other ship since being stealthy is going to limit radar use.

Additionally the carrier group can go EMCON silent ….. so it cannot be detected from the group’s own radars.

That’s your view. The US Navy does not share it.

Good to hear that the concept of “design for maintainability” was understood by the designers.

Thanks.

Back on topic, a recent conversation with an ex USN flyer revealed that both the A6 Intruder and A7 Corsair II could carry Sidewinders. WWII experience led to a desire to get as many aircraft airborne as possible – and try to give them an air to air role.

See the last page of Ark Royal landings – ARRSE

During the Cold War, both the A-7 Corsair II and A-6 Intruder could carry and launch AIM-9 Sidewinders. In an attack there was a desire to clear as many aircraft from the deck as possible (think Midway), so there was a general thought to employ those aircraft in an air-to-air role. Couple of problems: A-7/A-6 not equipped with an air-to-air radar, so needed close control for visual pickup. Sidewinder couldn’t work against the incoming missiles. They couldn’t get far enough out in time to work against the Badgers/Bears etc and we all know it much better to kill the archers, not the arrows. They were used for escort duties after a fighter properly intercepted the incoming Soviet aircraft (little problem with F-14A availability) and the Soviet aircraft wanted to wander around the battle group taking pictures to prove they had found the group at sea. More often than not the A-7/A-6 were configured as tankers to try and keep or limited F-14’s airborne.

With A6 and A7 being replaced by Hornet/Super Hornet (and the EA6B soon being replaced by a version of Super Hornet) all the embarked jets will be capable of air defence of the fleet.