Originally Posted by
pr00ne
SASless,
Seeing as we only have a total of 18 F-35B Lightning FG1's at the moment and the carriers are not even operational, we don't need to, BUT, WHEN both are fully operational, and the F-35B squadrons are formed, yes, the RN could easily support both carriers with T45/T23 and SSN and RFA tankers and Store ships along with RAF P-8A and Typhoon support to boot.
I would love to read the Classified Documents that contain the analysis of the risks, dangers, and strategic concepts that have brought the UK to where it is in all of this.
No doubt there has been some interesting discussions and hopefully some very well thought out consideration of opposing views.
What about other operational requirements outside just the single Task Force containing the two Carriers?
What would be left unprotected while the two Carriers draw off those resources?
How many Attack Subs would be left for other traditional wartime missions....you have Six I think it is....three each Astute and Trafalgar Classes?
Do you still have a valid Amphibious Assault capability that would require surface escorts.....I see only two Bulwark class vessels?
Assuming 30-35 F-35's per Carrier at max capability.....what kind of operational tempo will the air wing be able to maintain re its own Air Defense of the Task Force?
How many aircraft can they launch, recover, and refuel using aerial tanking.....24 hours a day?
Load the Carriers up with F-35's and then it gets hard to carry other aircraft.
How will the RN do Air-to-Air refueling......buy USN Unmanned Tankers?