Major Upgrade Coming For The Queen Elizabeth-Class!
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- Опубліковано 12 лип 2024
- Are the UK’s new aircraft carriers already outdated? The Royal Navy certainly seems to think some enhancements are required and has unveiled an ambitious plan for the HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and HMS Prince of Wales (R09), known as Project Ark Royal, that could result in the flight decks on both vessels being retro-fitted with assisted launch systems and recovery gear (Catapult-Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery or CATOBAR for short) to bring them in line with the United States Nimitz Class aircraft carriers as well as their latest Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier.
Join me as we delve into the details of this intriguing development and explore the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead for the Royal Navy aircraft carrier update.
Chapters:
00:00 Already outdated?
00:58 Queen Elizabeth-class in action
02:05 The Queen Elizabeth-class
02:47 Aircraft carried
03:15 What, no catapults?
03:45 CATOBAR
04:17 QE-class vs U.S. Gerald R. Ford-class
05:06 F-35 Lightning II
05:23 United States carrier aircraft
06:27 Project Ark Royal
09:27 Unmanned Aerial Systems
11:15 The future for the QE- class
11:49 Coming up next…
I hope you enjoy the video!
~Mike
Subscribe to my channel: / @airlandmarine
Also, here's the link to my video on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: • The F-35: More Than Ju... (also available in the end screen of this video).
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The F35B would have been a great aircraft to have on smaller carriers such as the Invincible class or Ocean to get 12 or so of them in theater but large carriers should have greater capabilities which the UK hasn't had since Eagle & Ark royal IV. As usual it will cost more to sort out than it would if the job had been done properly in the first place.
@rogermadeley7413 Yes, thats an interesting idea. There is still time for the QE-Class to evolve and it will be interesting to see what happens over the next few years.
If we had waited for the EMALs manufacturer to come up with a package that was a) working and b) not in a seemingly endless and rapid upward price spiral, QE would have still been sitting in the dry dock at Rosyth three years or so after she was actually launched, which would have put PoW three years behind on even commencing the build.
Bear in mind, they were struggling to get it to work on the American carriers, much less fully operational at the time.
The decision to go STOVL was sensible enough at the time - if you wanted carriers in the fleet at all, and bear in mind, the decision to build that capability goes all the way back to the the first Labour SDR of 1998 when George Robertson was in charge.
This has been a long time in the making.
None of this would be a talking point if the Tories weren't trying everything in their power to avoid buying sufficient F-35s. That's what's at the core of all this, and yet it's scarcely mentioned.
As I understand it, the electromagnetic catapults were not sufficiently proven in time to be included in the carriers design. That being a primary reason for ploughing ahead with the build rather than more delays. Having the ski jump be better than no carriers at all.
Steam driven catapults being installed and then replaced by the magnetic gear later, would have been more expensive than upgrading the current system. Boilers and turbines take up much needed space and require all manner of other systems. I'm no naval architect but it makes sense to me.
What narks me is not pledging to buy enough F35B to fully equip both carriers and have a number of RAF squadrons operational at the same time. Had we signed up for 250+ at the very start, RR and BAE would almost certainly have a production line here in GB. With all the profitable benefits and spin offs.
@@ianmcsherry5254 You beat me too it. The only thing I would add, is the devastating effect of the Wuhan Lab escapee we know as COVID19. Two years of HM.Gov bailing out the nations workforce, emptied the national coffers. Then, because the US was partly responsible for financing the "research" to avoid it's own restrictive safety regulations. The free world has not demanded compensation from the CCP and seized all their assets.
Politicians never get ANYTHING right.they should just keep out of areas they do not understand.
No they are not outdated!
These ships were designed to have a catapult and arresting gear. As an optional feature!
If the F-35 was cancelled for some reason.
The navy had a plan to fall back on traditional launch and recovery systems.
😉
@Aloh-od3ef It'll be interesting to see what they do next. If you enjoyed the video please give it a thumbs-up and consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. ~ Mike
The proposal to retrofit the carriers with a catapult (most likely a version of EMALS) and arrest or gear was part of the navy’s wider investment in unmanned systems, the idea is that the system will be used to launch heavier types of drones which could perform various utility functions such as cargo transport, aew, asw, and air to air refueling in the future. It would work alongside the ski jump rather than replace it.
The project is very much in its infancy and isn’t a statement on the carriers current capabilities. It was always envisioned the QE class would go through a number of upgrades throughout its service life as technology evolved and the class was built with that adaptability in mind, having a lot of excesss power generation and space under the flight deck for these kinds of additional systems.
@immortallvulture, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Given the rapid evolution of unmanned aerial systems it could be that the Royal Navy will be in a more informed position when considering their options for the future of the QE Class, and maybe (just maybe) the decision to not commit to tech earlier will pay off. In either case they certainly seem to be lacking equipment and aircraft at the moment should they be called in to an active war zone.
@@airlandmarine My post above maybe of interest. The F35B is far more than a RN FAA asset. It was also purchased to replace Harrier in RAF service. Something it cannot do it based on a ship halfway around the globe!
The RN and RAF must acquire many more F35B aircraft, even if they modify the carriers. Either that or buy/build more Harriers, which would be a step backwards in capability. The beauty of the F35B is not that it can be used as a dedicated fleet fighter bomber. The real benefit of VTOL, STOVL and VSTOVL aircraft is they are not restricted to fixed airfields or CATOBAR vessels. All easy targets.
During the Cold War the RAF and USMC practiced a tactic called dispersal. Whereby squadrons of Harriers were scattered around the expected battlefield/AO utilising any suitable surface capable of supporting operations. The Harrier squadrons have not been properly replaced in RAF service. ua-cam.com/video/QOf1AAf1yqc/v-deo.html&ab_channel=MikeGuardia
Even quickly modified container ships could be used as makeshift carriers!
ua-cam.com/video/IdS-T1GeyKU/v-deo.html&ab_channel=TheShipYard
It was even envisaged that destroyers and frigates could be modified to carry Sea Harriers rather than helicopters in extreme circumstances. Dispersal at sea.
250 F35B would not be too many for the British Armed Forces. As their stealthy AEW and ISTAR capabilities alone make them force multipliers be it for Land, Air or Sea forces.
@JimCarner As you say, lots of decisions will need to be made, and lots of upgrades will be required in the years ahead to ensure that the QE-Class can effectively perform in a conflict environment.
@gusgone4527 Thanks for your comments. It appears that the Royal Navy & Royal Air Force will need to quickly start saving up for some additional aircraft!
@@JimCarner The F35B was intended to replace the Harrier in RAF service, which means dispersal. It has never been widely discussed in public but the tactic was/is vital to such a small island nation as ours. Aircraft can be sent to even the smallest of outposts and islands. If you get my meaning.
I'm assured by those who should know. That ingestion of foreign objects and damage caused by the same to the coatings. Are not as big a problem as first rumoured. Like stealth itself, servicing practices are also evolving.
As for the vast distances of the Wester Pacific and the vulnerability of carrier groups. I agree, it's going to take a serious upgrade in capabilities to counter the ChiCom threat, if their new missiles live up to the hype. I'd bet my war pension that a new class of arsenal ship is on the design table right now. It will likely be unmanned and possibly submersible. Initially it may be a repurposed commercial transport capable of being rapidly armed with hundreds of VLS cells. It's unfortunate that the rail-gun technology has been suspended for now. As that could have been a potential cost effective game changer.
I heard/read that the Americans were having trouble getting their magnetic catapult/arrest system to be reliable, and because Ro8 would have a conventional propulsion system with a limited electric output. when the decision had to be made we went without the electric launch system but built the infrastructure in for it. Also things have moved so quick since she was launched far more is required for protection now. My bet would be look for a range of different weapons for defence being installed.
You are quite right @michaelwhite3688. The timing was unfortunate and a decision had to be made. From what I understand the story goes that they built the infrastructure to move to CATOBAR at a later date, however it appears that the QE-class are not as prepared for any kind of quick or "easy" modifications as was first understood. Unfortunately with the current limitations around funding, even in their current configuration the QE-class is falling short, and lacking aircraft. Plus, as you say they also require enhancement of their defensive capabilities, and this means yet more money. Time will tell, but my guess is that for now nothing will happen with the launch systems and for defence they will depend on the protection offered by the broader carrier strike group. In either case I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, don't forget to share as well as to subscribe to my channel and turn on notifications for more videos to come. Thanks for sharing your insights @michaelwhite3688 and for contributing to the chat. 👍~Mike
Great video! It will be interesting to see which direction the Royal Navy decides to take.
@Hoff191, it certainly will. I think it’s anyone’s guess at the moment. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
Et surtout qu'avec des brins d'arrêt tu peux aussi mettre en œuvre des super hornet et des rafales au pire...
@@alainberset8644 Absolument. Je pense que la classe QE serait bien meilleure si elle était équipée de cette option. J'espère que vous avez apprécié la vidéo. Si c'est le cas, pensez à vous abonner à ma chaîne pour plus de vidéos à venir. Merci pour votre commentaire et votre soutien ~ Mike.
@@alainberset8644 I agree. The more aircraft that these carriers can field the better. In a conflict situation they currently represent a very restricted platform and would be limited in being able to support any kind of multi-region task force that comprised of fixed wing aircraft beyond that of the F-35B.
@@Hoff191It should have been cats and traps from the start.😮
Seems to me that there should be at least 3 carriers commissioned. One would be deployable or on deployment. One would be in annual maintenance and crew training/R&R. The 3rd would be in refit/modernization. They can get by with two, but having only one is a wast of money, unless national crises can be scheduled. There is no money to do three properly so do two as well as they can be done within the original concept. Do what they reasonably can do, and do it very well.
@bunkerhill4854 Looking at the history of the QE-Class I think the Royal Navy are probably thankful that they have two vessels. Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed the video.
Total waste of money, we don’t have enough aircraft for the both of them and the Royal Navy doesn’t have enough ships to form one carrier group, yet again we are trying to hard to be something we are not.
I found this video very interesting. As a former US Navy Aviator (based on the Essex class WWII era, though updated, carriers) it is interesting to noted that the angled flight deck and optical landing systems so critical to the USN carriers, was a Royal Navy development immediately following WWII.
As for retrofitting for the EMALs deck launch system, the only drawback is the electrical power it draws, one of the reasons they probably will not retrofit the Nimitz class carriers (CVNs 68-77) as the Ford has significantly more electrical generation than the Nimitz Class.
@richardgreen1383 Thanks for your positive feedback, it's always great to hear when someone has enjoyed one of my videos, especially when they have a background such as yours. If you haven't done so already please give it a thumbs-up and consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. Thanks again ~ Mike
If they were to build a new one then, it would make sense if it was nuclear powered, in order to supply plenty of power for the new magnetic system.
With my understanding, having closely monitored developments related to HMS Queen Elizabeth, it appears that the EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) and F35C were not operational upon the completion of the vessel. Consequently, a decision was made to opt for a ramp configuration and the utilization of F35B aircraft. This strategic choice took into consideration the adaptability of the deck, acknowledging that both the flight deck and its fixtures could be replaced at a later stage, thereby ensuring compatibility with the evolving technological landscape.
@Bull8magn8 thanks for your comment. Thats very interesting. The F-35C was introduced February 28th 2019 and so it did come after the QE but before PoW. I agree that the timings and availability of certain technology (F-35C / EMALS) hasn't helped. Hopefully the strategy to "future proof" the vessels will pay off. I hope you enjoyed the video.👍
Yes I did love the video. I like things like this. Thank you for the video and keep up the good work
@@Bull8magn8 Thanks for your reply, great to hear that you enjoyed the video. Please consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. All the best ~Mike
A good video thank you. As funding will always be an issue I do think that in the first instance adding arrestor gear would be sensible. Assuming that it has sufficient capacity it would mean that in certain instances some US Navy F18 or indeed French' Rafales could be landed on. Both aircraft have demonstrated the abaility to take off using a ski ramp when competing for a fixed wing contract for the Indian' navy. I appreciate that take off weights may well be constrained as compared to using a catapult but it would be a sensible incremental enhancement.
Interesetingly although the F35B has its critics I suspect that it may be able to take off & land in higher sea states than is feasible with a conventional catobar carrier. Post the Falklands Was the US Navy did note that Sea Harrier operations were carried out in sea states that would not have enabled recovery of aircraft on even their super carriers owing to the amount in which the decks were pitching. Hovering alongside the ships for recovery the Harrier pilots were able to time their landings.
@tonystevens9278 That's an interesting concept. The F-35B is a great aircraft, but like tools in a toolbox, you need more than just one. Perhaps with some changes to the QE-Class they could accommodate a mix of F-35C and F-35B, giving them the best of both worlds!
. @@airlandmarine All F35 derrivatives are expensive aircraft. Personally with a limited RN' budget I would like to see the Boeing MQ 25 air to air refueling drone purchased plus the some attack drones such as the Mojave. An AEW drone may be developed in due course & that would potentially provide a major enhancement in capability over the Crowsnest Merlin. Fingers crossed!
@tonystevens9278 Drones would certainly make for a more affordable solution than more F-35's. The future appears to be set and drones will be taking on more and more in the years ahead, but there still needs to be a strong base of manned aircraft (for now). A full complement of F-35c's would be a good start but at this rate drone tech may overtake this necessity and allow the RN to jump straight in to adopting more unmanned systems for the QE-Class to "back-fill" the hole. One way or another something needs to happen...
Given the development of anti ship killers, The longer range would mean the aircraft carrier can stay further out of reach and therefore more ocean to hide in.
@michaelhannah5376 Absolutely! Keeping the carriers further back from the "front line" is aways a good idea. I hope you enjoyed the video. Don't forget to subscribe. 👍
These are attack carriers protected by escort ships and long range missiles. They don’t need many fighters circling around, just in case, and modern attack operations don’t require 60 torpedo planes and dive bombers.
Launching and landing 15-20 F-35 aircraft can be coordinated safely and effectively without an angled deck.
Yes, I agree. That said, using your example of 15-20 F-35's, at their maximum rate the QE Class can lunch one of these aircraft every 37.5 seconds. That's 12.5 minutes to get all 20 aircraft airborne. By comparison, the U.S. Gerald Ford Class isn't just confined to the F-35B and can launch a variety of deferent fixed wing aircraft, and it has a launch rate of two aircraft every 37 seconds. As a result it would have launched all 20 of it's aircraft in just over 6 minutes (that's half the time of the QE Class). Now this is not to say that the QE Class should be measured against the GF Class as they are not designed for the same kind of operations, however their configuration with CATOBAR and angled flight decks (which could be fitted to the QE Class) could make a massive difference in a conflict situation where every second counts. When you look at it like that, the variety and sheer number of aircraft they can launch compared to the QE Class is hard to ignore. I find this to be a very interesting topic and I'm really happy that so many people have watched, enjoyed and commented on this video. I hope you enjoyed it and found it as interesting to watch as I did making it. If you haven't done so already, remember to like, share and subscribe to my channel for more videos to come. Thanks ~Mike 👍
8:00 the B variant has equivalent, if not greater, radius of action than both Super Hornet and Rafale (both of which routinely utilize external tanks and refueling from land based tankers). The B variant has the shortest range among its F35 siblings, yes, but is easily competitive with all current carrier aircraft.
@lukedogwalker . First up, I love your name! It made me chuckle. 😂 Second, thanks for sharing your insights. If you enjoyed the video don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more videos to come. All the best ~Mike.
Well, at the beginning they can get away with simultaneous lunch and recovery operation. These are attack carriers and there likely won’t be an enemy carriers closer than 800 miles away, and modern situation awareness should allow for safe operations with prudent tactical planning. It’s not like at the Coral See and Midway, where carriers didn’t know how far enemy ships and aircraft were.
So, using the whole length of the flight deck they can lunch fighter jets unassisted.., while heavier aircraft can be lunched with assistance of rocket powered drop-motors.
Thanks for watching the video @chima4289. You make some interesting points here and I agree that the current set-up can't go without merit. The problem is that outside of their limited number of STOVL capable F-35B's the RN can't effectively field any other fixed wing aircraft from the QE Class. With the current configuration on these vessels, even if heavier aircraft were lunched with the assistance of rocket powered drop-motors, there would be no way for them to return and land as there are no arrestor wires to stop them running off the deck.
The UK should ensure the BAE Tempest is carrier capable and or develop a supersonic vectored thrust Sea Harrier replacement. The Royal Navy should also go for having its own catapult capable combat jets, not just drones and friendly navy aircraft landing on the ships. The Royal Navy could also do with two or three smaller assault carriers. Plus a dozen more diesel electric submarines. Basically the UK needs its navy back.
@martinbayliss3868 Thanks for your comment. As per JimCarner comments below, unfortunately Tempest is a long way off and at the moment there are no plans (from what I can see) for a carrier variant. It's hard to see what things will look like on the deck of the QE-Class in the next 15 -20 years but I expect there will likely be more aircraft with a 'Lockheed Martin' badge on them and less with a 'BAE Systems' badge.
@JimCarner Yes, interesting times ahead for the Tempest (if it even happens). Thanks for watching.
What happened to the BAE Taranis,
An aerial ucav still under development and active trials.
It went to Australia for advanced testing then it just up and vanished.
No record of it anywhere now.
When this happens it's usually because it's being made active and they want to hide it.
Taranis is a perfectly sized ucav for a carrier and it can do recon and attack.
Our future tempest aircraft is being developed for ucav interoperability so it makes sense.
I believe we will see our ucavs on our carriers very soon if they haven't been tested already.
Does anyone know what or where the program for taranis is now and is it still in active development.if not what was it being developed into.
@@JimCarner Typhoon, in any variant, is going to be with us for a while yet, yes. But in the grand scheme of things it's medium term at best. Tempest is as essential a programme now as the early pre-Typhoon work was when the RAF were still trying to decide if Tornado would make a worthwhile interceptor. It's the future, by definition it is a long way off operational status.
A latter day strike and air superiority capability for the RAF will likely be F-35B, Tempest, and whatever UAVs end up being chosen. For the RN, unless the F-35 buy is ramped up, and the current Westminster government seems hell bent on avoiding this, then it's F-35Bs and various UAVs.
Taranis was a flying testbed. Very useful as capability studies as are the similar US designs, but not and end in itself. It's a rapidly evolving area, especially with the very hard lessons currently being learned with, and because of drones in the obvious places around the world at the moment.
@@JimCarner totally agree 👍
It will never happen? The Royal Navy can't afford the ship's they already have, they retired HMS Montrose early just to save money, in fact they retired 2 type 23 frigates and the 2 Echo class ship's, MOD not fit to organize a kids party!
@scottwhiting1871 Hopefully they will will make some better decisions this time around... Thanks for watching.
They have little choice: the F-35's secrets are already in the hands of the Russians and Chinese, thanks to Israeli saynim in the Talpiot program penetrating the American defense establishment. Hence, they are able to be neutered electronically in the midst of a high stakes confrontation with peer adversaries. The only way to recoup the loss is to abandon any outstanding orders for the F35 and invest in Tempest Tranche 4 naval upgrades for carrier use with EM catapult and arrestor wire.
Funny how they can't afford the money ,yet the government throw billions down a hole every year,bloody waste.
There is another alternative - build a third carrier equipped with an angled deck and catabar system. Yes it’s expensive but considering the world’s situation today, taking out one of the carriers to do this expensive change would probably leave the Royal Navy at a very serious strategic disadvantage.
Building a third carrier with these changes already implemented would mean once it’s completed and accepted into the fleet, would free up one of the carriers for the upgrade.
By the way, the third carrier should be named King George V.
Yes, make it nuclear too and call it Victoria class. The only problem with running 3 carriers, is that you'd need a couple of subs a frigate and destroyer, tankers and such as well as additional aircraft and crew for all of the above. You wouldn't get much change out of £20 billion. I suppose you could sell one of the QE's when the new carrier came into service, which would eliminate the need for an additional support craft and offset the costs a little, still expensive though.
You wouldn’t need to run three carriers, because as soon as the new one came along, you would take one of the originals out of service to convert.
Once that was done you could sell the third unconverted one
@valianttmt8044 It's an interesting idea. Although can you imaging the PR required to get another carrier built! I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, please consider subscribing for more videos to come. Thanks ~Mike
When the QE Class were being built it was always assumed that they would get EMALS, with the ramp being a backup option. At a certain point in time it was decided that EMALS was not mature enough and they went with the ramp.....A couple of years on they decided it was ready and wanted to change but BAE systems cost of reversing on the ramp and going back to EMALS was too expensive foir the UK government of the time. Similar to how the Challenger 2 has a rifled barrael as a major weakness to compatibility with NATO ammo, and the Chally 3 is correcting that, the QE class might go full CATOBAR, which it really needs for interoperability with other nations and a wider assortment of aircraft....It was always designed to be that way, now is the time.
@kieranholland1048 Yes, that seems to be the general consensus. Let's see what happens. Thanks for watching and for your comment. If you enjoyed the video please like and subscribe to my channel for more videos to come. Thanks again ~ Mike
Great idea that will never happen. The UK is struggling just to maintain the 2 operational QE class carriers as is, with growing calls to mothball or fleet reserve the HMS Prince of Whales.
@mcallahan9060 You could be right. With things as they stand I think there is still a chance for some positives to come from the project, but only time will tell. I hope you enjoyed the video. if you did, please like and share, also please consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. Thanks again ~ Mike
You are correct but the world has become a very dangerous place once again. The so-called peace dividend of defence spending cut-backs, have been shown at best to be delusional. At worst they were treasonous as anyone could see what was going to happen. IE - Geopolitical miscalculations have forced Russia, Iran, N-Korea and CCP ChiComs into an alliance. The Axis of Evil just became a formal entity.
The second Cold War has started. Like the first, the only way to keep the peace will be through superior conventional firepower. Defence budgets will need to be prioritised and doubled, with investment targeted initially in those military assets that have the biggest impact on capability. The F35 is way up there in British service. Along with new MBTs, IFVs and SP artillery. - Lessons are being learned the hard way, so watch this space!
What are you even on about? The UK is doing absolutely fine with both carriers and show me the link about mothballing PoW?? She has just returned from the States having been there for aircraft training with the F35s, and the QE just returned from CSG23. What exactly is the RN struggling with?
@@Axispaw1 That must be why there are so many reports of parts cannibalization between the two ships because the UK is doing sooo good.
@@JimCarner Thar she blows!
A short sited approach by the UK government these things should have been integrated at the start even at the expense of producing only one carrier
@petermangham1854 Hopefully this latest project can help turn things around. Thanks for watching. ~ Mike
No. Never ask for everything all at once. As my old boss said.... "acquire by stealth" ;)
No offense to my UK cousins, but you guys should have just spent the money on a single aircraft carrier with launch assist so that you could actually afford to build more destroyers and assisting ships. Destroyers and subs for home protection; the carrier strike fleet for force projection.
@Nick-bh5bk Thats an interesting idea. Commodore Steve Moorhouse, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group was quoted as saying that "the strategic significance is profound. Building one aircraft carrier is a sign of national ambition. But building two - and operating them simultaneously - is a sign of serious national intent. It means Britain has a continuous carrier strike capability, with one vessel always ready to respond to global events at short notice". I hope you enjoyed the video ~ Mike
One carrier means no carrier half of the time, due to maintenance and refits. Look at the French CdG as a good example, currently unavailable and the only one they have.
Two allows one to be at sea or ready, whilst the other is in maintenance.
And yet the para sites in Westminster find billions to send overseas.
@@Dave68Goliath overseas aid is a key part of soft power diplomacy. It maintains good favour and influence in parts of the world to meet strategic aims without needing to resort to military force
I think we should keep the ships as they are and invent unmanned air assets to land and take off like the F35B. But if the POW is to replace the Ark royal then she would need major modifications because if we tried to land marines via helicopters only it would be suicide against a peer nation. The POW should be able to house everything a marine battalion would need to fight, including IFVs or something like the boxer. The navy needs a way to launch all this.
@welsh2266 I agree, I think we'll see a massive increase in unmanned air assets in the very near future. Thanks for watching.
@JimCarner It may end up going that way!
I wouldn't change anything. Deploying with USMC pilots in addition to RN and RA pilots....will make this a very lethal ship. Especially with the block four upgrades to the f35b just around the corner. If the sensors on the f35 block four are as good as they claim, they can double as an awacs plane, themselves.
@shannonhenson609 @shannonhenson609! Wouldn't that be something. Thanks for your comment. I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did please consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. ~Mike
The USN & USMC do not use a ski jump like we do in the UK , so if that's do away with I cannot see a problem. IN 2010 in the planning stage the catobar system should not of been done away with by the Government of the time considering the Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers have a life span of 50 years service. It's important to get the next stage right and make these carriers into the first Hybrid carriers in the world, also the new aircraft the British, Italian, Sweden and Japanese consortium building the New Tempest ^th Gen Aircraft should have a carrier concept so they should be cat and trap ready within a couple of years so theyr'e ready and up and running and experienced in the early 2030's .
@markwoods1504 Unfortunately the short term cost savings could (as is often the case) end up costing much more in the longer term. There is a chance that the delay will pay off as new tech becomes available, and if the Royal Navy can commit to something. With a life expectancy of 50 years the QE Class will certainly need to see some changes if they are expected to operate effectively in a war zone with ever more sophisticated and well equipped adversaries.
@@JimCarner Hi Jim I know I just call it the Tempest probably because I still feel patriotic wishing it was just a British Build. Thanks for your comment anyway and Happy New Year
Yes and no, because EMALS wasn’t anywhere near ready when the carrier’s were built, and although i wish EMALS would be fitted sooner i can’t see it being done until the midlife refit.
The technology is certainly in its infancy. I also agree that it’s likely they will hold off in the short term, perhaps even just to avoid additional costs and angering the tax payer. That said, with current world events there could be an argument made that these vessels need to be fully prepared and operational should they be called in to action sooner than their mid-life refits. It’s a tough one to call.
I agree, they will probably hold off until the midlife refit.
@@airlandmarine You definitely have a point about the present worldwide unrest, and that could lead to the U.K. finding the funds to upgrade our Q.E.Class to true EMALS angled deck Super Carrier’s??? After all it wouldn’t be the first time Britain has miraculously found the funds to beat the odds. PS After all the Brits always seem to beat the odds in countless skirmishes, battles, wars, and even World Wars.
As the old saying goes, time will tell. There certainty appears to some “interesting” times on the horizon. In the meantime please consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. Thanks again for your comments. 👍🏻
@@airlandmarine l most certainly will do.
They should have built them with the bigger flight deck ( better to have something and not need it ) It will cost a fortune to add it now. ( There is no point in only adding it to 1 Carrier because when 1 Carrier is in the dock for maintenance you only have 1 Carrier available )
@mrwhatever9025 It'' be interesting to see how things pan-out. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe for more videos to come. ~Mike
They should have had CATOBAR from day one... However the problem may be the aircraft., both Russia and China operate modern fixed wing aircraft from skijump carriers. A suitable version of the Typhoon may be a lower cost alternative, requiring only arrestor gear.
Both STOVL and CATOBAR have thier pros and cons.
A navalised Typhoon would need a complete airframe redesign, so would essentially be a different aircraft, and would cost more per unit than an F-35
@russell.dmarsys Outside of unmanned systems, it appears that the F-35B or C are the only way forwards. I hope that you enjoyed the video. ~Mike
STOVL operations are easier, faster and more efficient, and require far less crew and expense, than CATOBAR. STOVL can also be safely performed in a greater range of weather conditions. With the addition of SRVL, the bring-back penalty that made the Harrier notorious will be eliminated for the F35B.
The UK wrote the control laws and developed the avionics for the B variant in a program of development that goes back to the inception of the JSF and CVF projects. This is one of the reasons the UK was the only Tier 1 partner in JSF. The F35B was always the plan: the C was only briefly considered as a result of problems during the B's development. What the political decision makers at the time were not fully aware of was that the ships were not, in fact, adaptable: this feature was dropped from the design in 2003 as unworkable. Any CATOBAR equipment installed in the future will be for drones/unmanned light aircraft, only. The cost to install a system like that on the Ford would be so high, the refit so complex and the risks of delay or failure so great that it would make more sense to build a new ship with CATOBAR from the keel, up.
@lukedogwalker Hopefully there will be more F-35B's gracing the flight decks of these vessels in the near future. As you say, there is lots of potential with this aircraft / launch system. The QE Class will undoubtedly be equipped with a range of unmanned aircraft in the coming years to support the F-35. Setting this aside, if Project Ark Royal was to proceed the cost would be crazy. Even if only one of the two vessels was to be converted the changes would necessitate the eventual installation of catapults, arrestor gear and an angled flight deck as previously envisioned in the 2010 Strategic Defense and Security Review and I can't even imagine what the price tag would be. But, as the old saying goes, stranger things have happened at sea and that is what PAR was investigating. In either case, right now it would just be good to see the QE Class out there flying the flag rather than sitting in port with yet another problem...
@@airlandmarine thanks for your reply. Nice channel, BTW. Good presentation.
A full CATOBAR conversion would indeed be highly risky and very expensive. What Ark Royal seems to envisage is a "light" conversion making use of projected and planned developments in electric arrestors and catapults which make these systems smaller and lighter. Note that only the waist cat is long enough for large/manned aircraft and that it is only the short 90 metre stroke length of the Charles De Gaule (French pilots must be accelerated faster than USN to compensate for the shorter distance: they endure 5Gs at takeoff compared to the USN's 3 to 3.5). Thus, the plan as presented is definitely not a full time capability, and the carriers will undoubtedly continue with a STOVL/STOL airgroup.
@lukedogwalker thanks again for your insights and kind words! I appreciate your support and engaging in the discussion. This video is certainly proving to be one that gets people talking! Don't forget to share and to subscribe to my channel. Have a good one and I'll see you in the next video. ~Mike 👍
@@airlandmarine no worries. Sorry for the info dump! 😂
No apology required, your insights are appreciated. Welcome aboard. 👍🏻
Yep the bright ideas clueless club of the RN cocked up. And not just with the fight operations aspect!
@Daveyboy1066 hopefully things can be turned around. I hope you enjoyed the video. I you did please consider subscribing for more videos to come. ~Mike
Only by massively enhancing the coffers of BAE systems, they have made sure of that.@@airlandmarine
Nice presentation and a real human voice is always a plus. But "Rafale", not "Rafael", and "aitch", not "haitch", please!
@kodiak64 Thanks for your comment and positive feedback. Yes, unfortunately my real human voice comes with real human errors. 😜 All jokes aside, I appreciate the heads-up and will endeavour to get it right next time. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. If you haven't done so already, please give it a thumbs-up and consider subscribing to my channel for more videos (and possibly a few errors) to come. Thanks again ~ Mike 👍
The RN would be better off just buying more F35B and V-22 for extra capability. We do not need 4th gen planes on QE.
Thanks for your comment @robertnemeth6248. I agree, the ideal situation would be more F-35B's on the decks of both carriers, however it appears that isn't likely to happen in the short term. In either case, I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did please share and consider subscribing more more videos to come. All the best ~Mike
Bin the angled flight deck go for cats and traps
@stephenbrown9998 That would definitely be a good step forwards. The angled flight deck would allow more aircraft movement (simultaneous lunch and recovery operations) and there would still need to be changes made to the exiting deck, such as the removal of the current launch ramp. I hope you enjoyed the video. Please consider subscribing for more videos to come. Thanks for your comment ~ Mike
With a nation tottering economically, this humbug overstretch
Two carriers but no knickers..
@Aubury I hope you enjoyed the video. I you did please consider subscribing for more videos to come. ~Mike
We need 12 attack submarines not 6. We need 12 destroyers not 6, and we need 25 frigates not 8.
On each carrier we need a minimum of 50 fast jets or in all honesty what’s the point. If it’s all for show and a hollow force. We all should just go home.
Have a force that can be reckoned with or move aside. Our current 6 D 8 F and 6 fleet subs is frankly pis*ing into the wind
@frazer3191 With the world stage looking evermore volatile, hopefully the Royal Navy can build its strength ready for the years and uncertainty that lies ahead.
It would make sense to give the Queen Elisabeth class of carriers the same capabilities as our American cousins so aircraft are interchangeable. I maybe expensive but within the current climate we need a very effective deterrent
@steverobinson2389 It will certainly be interesting to see what happens. Thanks for your comment. If you enjoyed the video please consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. ~Mike
Whar does having cat and traps have to do with being 'outdated? Is that not about capability choices?
@ThroatSore The general consensus seems to be that the current "capability choices" for these vessels is risking them becoming outdated...
They would make good helicopter landing pads. Or they could operate an inferior version of the F-35.
@Dingdangdoo Thanks for your comment. Please subscribe for more videos to come. ~Mike
There are 3 reasons why the UK Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and RAF are NOT buying a full complement of F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters:
1. The UK does NOT have ‘Sovereign Control’ over the aircraft. All and any upgrades or addition of new capabilities, can ONLY be done with the permission of the USA. For example, integration of the UK’s Meteor Long-range Air-to-Air Missile on the F-£%B has been long delayed, BECAUSE the USA has not allowed it, and the UK is denied access to the software packages to do the weapons integration work itself.
2. The operating systems software on the F-35B is defective and full of bugs. The software code has been poorly designed and written. Which is why the UK, has settles for it’s F-35B’s being upgrade to a ‘just good enough’ software package. Rather the advanced capabilities promised in the F-35B capabilities document. The UK has NOT upgraded it’s F-35B software from the ‘B Package’ to the ‘C Package’ because of the defective and bug-ridden USA written software. It’s should also be mentioned that the USA’s F-35 aircraft that have had this upgrade are all falling out of the sky.
3. The UK’s strategic focus has now turned to the use of CHEAPER to acquire and operate ‘Combat Drones’. The Taranis Unmanned Combat Drone Technology Demonstrator. Which successful demonstrated a sovereign UK Combat Drones capability, plus recent experimentation, and technologies developed for the Tempest Fighter Programme. Have proven that the UK has the capability to indigenously produce Combat Drones with far greater military capabilities and utilities that the F35B in both the land and naval domains, at a far cheaper cost.
BAE Systems: Taranis unmanned combat aircraft maiden flight
ua-cam.com/video/Z0omMcNmWKA/v-deo.html&ab_channel=BAESystems
Most of this is categorically untrue
@@Orbital_Inclination99% of it is untrue. It's astonishing the extent some people will go to to put out false information.
@austinlondon3710 I hope you enjoyed the video. ~Mike
@@Orbital_Inclination It's actually astonishing how untrue this is. 🤔
We should have gone for a catapult system and purchased existing technology from the USA, as always the issues are infighting between the different branches of the UK military. F35C's as they become available to replace the very capable what F15's or their successors?
@paultaylor5266 This may yet still happen. F-35C would be a good addition to the flight decks of the upgraded QE-Class. That said, even a few more F-35B's would be a good start. Thanks for watching.
If you enjoyed the video please like and subscribe to my channel for more videos to come. ~ Mike
It’s what EVERYONE (stand fast their lords of the Admiralty) has been saying for a decade
@Olleetheowl I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, please consider subscribing for more videos to come. Thanks ~Mike
Buy more F35B and some tanker drones like Stingray. We do not need the F35C.... Project Ark Roal does not necessarily leas to manned systems.
@robertnemeth6248 Unmanned systems appear to be set to play an increased and ever more important role in this space. As you say, Project Ark Royal doesn't necessarily lead to an increase in manned systems. In either case, some kind of launch system and modifications to the QE-Class will likely be required.
As they have no planes maybe they should be renamed drone carriers, but guess they then will be droneless
The UK currently has around 40 F-35 and plenty of rotary aircraft for its carriers
I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, please consider subscribing for more videos to come. Thanks ~Mike
You say they are joint 5th for the largest carriers in the world? Where did you get that from? Even going by the 65,000 ton figure they would still be joint 3rd after the Ford and Nimitz class. The 65,000 figure is actually wrong now anyway as this was the minimum promised delivered displacement. They are now 70,600 for the QE and around 75,000 for PoW. Add to this that the UK is the only country to base the carriers displacement on an empty vessel i.e. just the ship; no aircraft, no stores, no fuel. The USA and the other nations base their carrier's displacement at full load.
@Axispaw1 Thanks for your comment. I'm always happy to be corrected (every day is a school day). My information was based on current active vessels and perhaps it has been mudded by way different counties list the displacement for their vessels (empty, part full, or full load). I was looking at China's Fujian and Shandong, but I see your point about the QE-Class. Please consider it noted. Thanks again for your feedback. I hope that you still enjoyed the video. If you did please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing for more videos to come. ~ Mike
The biggest problem as we head into a General Election in the UK is none of Political Parties are talking about Defence and that's a WORRYING Scenerio to be in, we need to upping are defence spending by GDP FROM 3% to at least 5% .
@markwoods1504 Thanks for your comment. With growing unrest around the world I expect it won't be long before they need to seriously consider the ramifications of an insufficient defence budget. That said, the NATO alliance should help to provide the UK with the support it needs if things escalate faster than expected. In either case, I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, please consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. ~Mike
Thanks for your reply personally I'd say are defence spend to GDP should be the same as it was in the cold war which I believe was 9/10 % of GDP .
They won't convert them.....far too expensive
@richardprice7763, I agree that the cost is likely to be prohibitive, however I wonder what the “cost” of not converting them would be? In either case I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, please consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. Thanks for your comment and support ~ Mike.
They definitely need to be updated it's a joke they was built without this capacity anyway just like the British I've not got much money but make it more expensive by doing it this way wasting more money by updating them when they should have been done in the first place
@user-kq4hu9kt4q It was a tough one for the RN as both vessels where built at a time where catapult technology was evolving.
The truth is we simply cannot afford to fully equip and maintain these carriers without the help of the USMarineseven then alimited air wing .
@davidwright4891 Yes, I agree, lack of funding is the main issue. According to the Mod, as it stands the UK remain's committed to procuring 138 F-35 aircraft, with tranche 1 on track to deliver 48 F-35B's by 2025. Apparently there is also a second tranche F-35B order of 27 additional aircraft that is expected to be completed in 2033. Should those deliveries first start in 2026, after tranche 1 deliveries end in 2025, an average delivery rate of less than four aircraft a year would follow. So the aircraft will come, but it's going to take some time. This is okay for now but in the event of war with potential aircraft losses, suddenly the UK could find itself fielding two carriers with nothing much the fly off their decks! In either case, I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did please, like, share and subscribe to my channel for more videos to come. Thanks ~Mike
Why were they so small and undergunned ? Where are the laser weapons and traditional weapons? Why are they not nuclear powered?
They're not small, they're some of the largest carriers in existence besides the US super carriers.
They don't need weapons, as those are mounted to their escorts. That leaves more space for things relevant to aviation.
They're not nuclear powered because it is expensive, limits port access globally, requires long maintenance periods when fuel needs changing, and carriers already need refuelling anyway due to aviation fuel demands.
@grantmccall. Thanks for your comment. As Orbital_Inclination has said below, the R.N. took the decision to opt away from nuclear power due to the negatives of this power source. Everything is a trade off. Overall they are still impressive vessels but unfortunately they were built at a time where the world and carrier technology is changing and this has quickly exposed some of the sub-optimal decisions taken during their construction. In either case I hope you enjoyed the video. if you did, please consider subscribing for more videos to come. ~Mike
Move with the times. Tow a rigged out barge.
😂 I hope you enjoyed the video. I you did please consider subscribing for more videos to come. ~Mike
Buy enough F35B to complete the project
@ralphhindle7539 More aircraft "on deck" would certainly help the QE-Class take a positive step towards reaching their planned potential. I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did please consider subscribing for more videos to come. Thanks ~ Mike
Such a waste of money, they should have fitted them out with CATOBAR from the start.
There certainly seems to be a strong argument for that @ronile81.
But what can you do when you have people in charge like Dr Budget Cameron who’s just given Gibraltar to Spain ! The plan was to be Cats & Traps but he came along and took away the first British design
@@Then.72 the irony is they may still end up fitting it and it may end up costing more!
@Than.72 Absolutely. Unfortunately the “planned” result usually involves a run through the political sausage machine and the “actual” outcome is not always one that makes sense.
EMALS still wasn't available at the time of construction.
I like informed shows like this
But…. When I hear
‘The HMS,, I immediately switched off
You just said the her/his majesty’s ship
Did you realise
You cannot put the in front of HMS!
@jonswinfield9336. Thanks for your comment. You make a fair point. That’s a “school boy error” on my part and is duly noted. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I pride myself on the accuracy and presentation of my videos, but unfortunately mistakes do happen from time to time. ~ Mike
ibigay nlng yan sa pilipinas 😅
@AlabMara 😆. Mukhang posible ang anumang bagay pagdating sa kinabukasan ng mga sasakyang ito! Gaya ng sinabi minsan ni Oscar Wilde, "Upang asahan ang hindi inaasahang mga palabas ng isang lubusang modernong katalinuhan". Salamat sa panonood. Kung nasiyahan ka sa aking video mangyaring isaalang-alang ang pag-subscribe para sa higit pang mga video na darating. ~Mike
could they have not decided this when the ships were being built ??????????
@fredtedstedman Indeed they should have. Some decisions were "sub-optimal" and it was unfortunate timing for the R.N with the construction due to old launch tech going out and new tech coming in. The QE Class fell in to the gap between the two and this was then made worse by the lack of suitable aircraft available.
WTF SHE HAS ONLY JUST BEEN COMISSIONED
@stevecraine6352 Yes, not ideal. But hopefully they'll get there... Thanks for watching. ~ Mike
mini diesel aircraft carriers big ears and sweaty betty are a joke they have to borrow aircraft to make them look operational.
@patricktracey7424 Hopefully we'll see more aircraft on deck in the years ahead. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe if you enjoyed the video. ~Mike
Why have this type of robust music for something that isn’t any use
@thegrinch8161 😂 I like robust music for this kind of video. In fairness to the QE-Class, there is still time for them if the Royal Navy is prepared to find a way fowards and fully commit to the plan.
Just having 4 Phalanx ciws is nowhere near enough armament, with the advent of small drones/boats the carriers should be bristling with ciws.
@andrewtomlinson18 I agree that 4 Phalanx does seem like a little 'thin' in terms of defensive capability. They do also have 8 general purpose machine guns (Browning .50 caliber heavy machine guns) and the QE-Class will always be escorted into high risk areas by the Type 45 destroyer, which was made specially to fulfil this role.
This is why carriers don't operate alone. If an enemy gets close enough to a carrier that it has to use its own CIWS, someone has already screwed up. Carrier groups operate on a principle of layered defence, so the carrier itself doesn't need to be bristling with defences.
As they were in WW2 but they still bristled with 20mm and 40mm guns@@Orbital_Inclination
@@andrewtomlinson18 warships were also covered in loads of large calibre guns too, but time has moved on and accuracy/efficiency is vastly improved. A modern CIWS can achieve substantially more on its own than a dozen WW2 era AA guns.
The more the merrier @@JimCarner
One Kinsal and shes done...
No she isn't. Countermeasures for hypersonic missiles are exactly the same as those for other missiles.
Don't believe all the Russian PR about hypersonics being unstoppable, it's nonsense.
Hopefully not. I hope you enjoyed the video @killerbeuk.
This is old news. It's already turned down and withdrawn that POW will not be refitted with cats and traps or steam nor NP.
@freedom14639 Thanks for your comment. I hadn't heard that. Does this apply to QE as well as POW? My understanding is that the project is still ongoing with the project focused on gathering crucial evidence to inform the defence choices available at IR25, ensuring that decisions are based on comprehensive and current data. A key aspect of this programme is to present options for the early introduction of advanced air systems and Aircraft Launch/Recovery Equipment into service.
@@airlandmarine only US jets needs cats and traps. The carriers are going under nato command. Therfore the carriers will operate 35b as well as other assets, us asprey, and drones in the not too distant future. The french have their own carrier and plans for the new one which will be more advanced than the QE and pow and similar weight size to US navy carriers. Thats my understanding.
@@airlandmarine I think I read somewhere that a mixed aircraft carrier fleet could be considered, one STOVL and the other carrier with the Cat and Traps.
@Cartoonman154 that could be a good approach. 👍🏻
@freedom14639 Steam was never an option for this class of ship. There was a suggestion during build that POW would go CATOBAR but that was 10 years ago now as the video creator said project Ark Royal is ongoing, I don’t know what decision your referring too.
Why would we wish to spend more money to intestate primarily 4 gen planes. We would do better to buy MV-22 in the Transport and AEW role. Also buy more F35B to build our force levels. The F35C is not that much better than the F35B and is less flexible. Some cats on QE nay be helpful but turning QE into a Nimitz with 4 g en planes is not cost effective.
@robertnemeth6248 Thanks for your comment. It's certainly a topic that divides opinion and you make some interesting points. Something certainly needs to change if the Royal Navy wishes to see the QE-Class reach their full potential. I hope you enjoyed video. If you did, please consider subscribing for more videos to come. You may also enjoy video on the F-35 ua-cam.com/video/DaaPZVT4_t8/v-deo.htmlsi=LwJqweNn2a173rjP Thanks again ~ Mike
In retrospect, the French did the right thing with their Rafale! Their much smaller (nuclear powered) carrier has a much better air wing in a really good package! And it's fully operational, NOW!
@dennisleighton2812 at least the UK and France are on the same side! 😉
@@airlandmarine Absolutely! I've just posted elsewhere that if one adds up what NATO can put into a conflict, with currently flying aircraft, it is pretty impressive!
@dennisleighton2812 Yes, overall quite the force.
We did it on the cheap and it's backfired what's new the British do this all the time yes we will update them but it's going to cost us twice as much now nothing new we used to are country wasting money
@user-kq4hu9kt4q Hopefully things will pan-out for the better in the long term. Thanks for your comment and for watching my video. If you enjoyed it please consider subscribing for more to come. ~Mike
Please stop putting 'The' before the name of any Royal Navy ship.
@roconnor01 noted - thanks. I hope you still enjoyed the video. If so, please give it a thumbs-up and consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. ~ Mike
Sitting ducks destined to become submerged houses for sea life. what a waste of money
@RR98guy Hopefully that won't happen. 😬 Please subscribe for more videos to come. ~Mike
It's the deck I don't like. If you have an engine failure on take off the aircraft crashes straight in front of the ship. With an angled deck you're off to one side.
This is just another example of how far the UK has come in the last 13 years of Tory government. These two ships seem to spend more time being repaired than actually at sea. My father and uncles (all ex RN) must be turning in their respective graves.
@Bruce-1956 Thanks for you comment. Hopefully things can be turned around and we will again see a force that we can all be proud of. In either case, I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did please consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. ~Mike
@@airlandmarine I used to live close to Rosyth in the 60s and 70s and saw RN ships going up and down the Forth everyday, saw many an RN carrier anchored in the river and sometimes US carriers.
@@Bruce-1956 I love that area. I'm sure watching those ships all those years ago has given you plenty of fond memories of the place.
So the whole deal rest on one dodgy variant of a dodgy plane.
@rupertbear6883 Hopefully things will change. I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, please consider subscribing for more videos to come. Thanks ~Mike
lol the aircraft are outdated, the good upgrade would have been using the f35c........the carrier version of the F35 ..at present we only have 16 f35b's available for 2 carriers .... and the f35b is very poor compared to the f35c !! we should sell one of the carriers a complete waste of 4 billion pounds!
So much incorrect info here. The F-35B isn't outdated and can carry a larger payload than the C variant when fully laden. We have around 40 UK F-35 available for the carriers at the moment, with a total of 48 currently ordered and 72 fully funded. The reason for two carriers is so one can be available whilst the other is in maintenance. Otherwise, you get a situation like the French, where they have no carrier available at the moment.
@@Orbital_Inclination so not outdated ??? the f35a+c are on version 4 (4 upgrades), thef35b is on version 0 (no upgrades) and has none planned ..the other version has a huge increase in performance, weapons loadout, range, stealth, avionics and survivability ...please look the facts before trying to refute... we only (UK) have 30 perhaps 31 f35b's which have to be shared with the RAF (not the RAF's choice they wanted the "a"version) please next time present facts not your dreams !!!!
@@alangunningham5667 again, wrong. All F-35s are currently at Block 3 or 3+ standard, regardless of variant. Block 4, currently in development, will add new weapons for UK F-35s (Meteor and SPEAR 3) as well as a whole load of changes to get the most out of the jet, but isn't expected for a while yet.
We have around 40 F-35s which are all under RAF command (1 Group), and operated by mixed squadrons of RN and RAF personnel.
The A and C variants are not any stealthier or more survivable than the B variant, and the B can carry a larger payload than the C when fully laden.
@Orbital_Inclination Thanks for your comments. I hope you enjoyed the video. This one is certainly proving to be a talking point when it comes to the QE Class. If you enjoyed please give it a thumbs-up and consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. ~ Mike
@alangunningham5667 Thanks for sharing your thoughts. If you enjoyed the video please give it a thumbs-up and consider subscribing to my channel for more videos to come. ~ Mike
The UK Defenses have been whittled down by successive governments since the Gulf War and even before that.
It's a National Disgrace that our Army is fast being reduced to around 70,000, and that means the Government is failing in it's duty to properly defend it's People
The RAF and the Royal Navy are also being reduced in capability, but far more stealthily. I wonder what Illegal Immigrants currently working easily in our 'Black' Economy cost the UK?
@Rabmac1UK It's a crazy world out there. Hopefully the QE Class will be ready and able to serve if and when called upon. I hope you enjoyed the video. Please subscribe for more to come! Thanks, Mike
reliability given POW being such a failure
@keithprinn720 I hope you enjoyed the video. Please subscribe for more to come! Thanks, Mike
Ummm No?
@andrewphillips8341 I guess we'll have to wait and see. :-)
You need to police your streets.
That's true of any nation
@gordonshrubb7155 I hope you enjoyed the video.
Can't afford to pay for servicemen, planes, support ships.. and the worst part is none of these white elephants works well. And now they require more money for new features.... Dog's dream...
@quayaquilander it’s certainly not the best of times right now but if they pull their finger out it’s possible they could still turns things around. The F-35B is still evolving and is progressively becoming a better aircraft. This along with advancements in unmanned aircraft could actually swing things back in favor of the simpler configuration adopted by the QE-class. Time will tell. I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for more videos to come. ~Mike
An Aircraft Carrier restricted to taking VSTOL aircraft only is an absolute f#@kup if you ask me. You have to hav3 the carrier capable of accepting all types of aircraft including, and not limited to, fixed wing fighters, drones. Thank god America plans include for all aircraft.
@robertcooper7157 It appears to have left many people scratching their heads and wondering what has happened. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the QE-Class. In either case I hope you enjoyed the video. If you are enjoying my channel please consider subscribing for more videos to come. Thanks ~ Mike
EMALS still wasn't available at the time of construction.
If we have to rely on the Yanks we are stuffed. Learn from history and rely on the Commonwealth.
@Cartoonman154 Correct. But in their current configuration (with limited F-35B’s) it would appear that the vessels are still falling short of the mark. Maybe not?
@timphillips9954 It will certainly be interesting to see how the QE Class measures up to other equivalent vessels in the years and decades ahead.