Originally Posted by
bobward
If a person with no military background, and a GCE in Geography, can see this, why can't our professional military?
(Apologies if I'm raking over previous questions on these issues)
The through life cost of ships is mostly in the sailors. The capital cost is not that important and supports UK jobs, so is more palatable to Treasury.
3 new CVS would have consumed too many sailors. The QE'S were designed for low complements compared to other carriers. Hence things like the fancy weapon handling system.
Engines is the chap for F35B history, but at program inception the UK got onboard as a Tier1 partner because of BAe's expertise in STOVL, and RR experience with the sort of engine needed. The plan then was to operate the F35B from the Invincibles until the QE"s were ready.
The best laid plans....
N