Whilst the above article can be safely dismissed as gash, some of the consequences of decisions taken in the last few years are already having consequences that may pose problems for CVF. The reduction in the number of carrier capable (fixed wing) aircraft is one, the reduction in RN Fixed Wing Pilot numbers is another, as is the potential loss of skills by flight deck crews. All of these were predicted (and discussed) on the
Sea Jet thread. I feel justified in including this link as these issues
were discussed in detail.
Today is the 300th anniversary of the Act of Union. I hope that way that the way the various parts of the CVF project are spread over different shipyards and numerous other companies across the UK will reinforce these ties.
Twenty Five years ago today was a very significant day for the Royal Navy and for the Fleet Air Arm in particular. Sea Harriers attacked land targets ashore in the Falklands and engaged a number of Argentine aircraft trying to attack the task force. Sea Kings were busy too, with Pingers maintaining round the clock ASW cover and Junglies putting SAS/SBS reece teams ashore.
Elsewhere frigates bombarded targets ashore.
The
Invincible class was originally designed to carry a large number of ASW Sea Kings, with the Sea Harrier being almost secondary, in peacetime anyway. Post Cold War this started to change, with upto sixteen or seventeen Sea Harriers and Harrier GR7s being embarked (in addition to the three ASaCs Sea Kings), with the Merlins that replaced the Sea King HAS 6 being embarked in RFAs. Post Sea Harrier, the CVS carry mostly helicopters (again), which will change again with CVF. Anyone feeling dizzy from going around in circles?
Despite cutbacks and other problems, the Fleet Air Arm continues to be busy, as
this page from the RN website shows. The deployment of two Merlin squadrons and two ASaCs squadrons on active operations, in addition to Lynx and Merlin aircraft embarked on frigates and destroyers (and
Endurance) and Junglies ashore, demonstrates the value and utility of naval aviation.