Originally Posted by
ORAC
I'd be incredibly surprised if it was - because the
Request for Information to industry is to assess the state of electromagnetic launch and arrestor technology available for fitting to the aircraft carriers with the RfI demanding a solution that is “sufficiently technically mature to be fitted to a suitable ship from 2023”.
https://www.navylookout.com/cats-tra...unched-drones/
Yes, no
'jet powered STOL UAV' in 2023 - but the RFI is about the launch and recovery systems; the air vehicles to be launched and recovered vehicles aren't just those available at that time, this is a long term capability. It includes potential crewed vehicles 
. A suitable vessel doesn't necessarily just mean a CV - just deck space (and hangarage) for the vehicle(s); power and room for the launch and recovery systems and their control/operation systems (and operators).
(Excerpts from the RFI - emphases are mine)
4. Requested Information:
The Authority wishes to assess the availability of electromagnetic catapult, and arrestor wire systems for the launch and recovery of air vehicles.
Potential suppliers and interested parties are invited to provide information in relation to potential solutions which are sufficiently technically mature to be fitted to a suitable ship from 2023.
Potential arrestor solutions ideally should offer:
a. Max trap 47000lbs / 21319Kg
b. Min trap 11000lbs / 5000Kg
c. Energy damping method
d. Potential for energy reclamation
Potential catapult solutions ideally should offer:
a. Max launch weight 55000lbs / 24948Kg
b. Electrical power input required against launch cycle time.
However:
The RN is driving hard to introduce a range of un-crewed air vehicles options for the use of different air vehicles types within the Fleet.
2. Background
The Ministry of Defence (The “Authority”) is currently seeking information in order to qualify requirements and develop our understanding of the potential for the market to provide assisted launch and arrested recover for a range of air vehicles, which would be
suitable to fit to a vessel within 3 - 5 years. This is to support the development of the RN’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) with potential for use with both crewed and uncrewed air vehicles.
The Authority intends to use the responses to this RFI to inform future decision making regarding potential air vehicle choices.