The Russians have been operating a STOVL carrier for several years although they opted for a more conventional type aircraft, plus arrestor wires. Are they wrong when they made the decision to take that ship out of service and convert it to a conventional carrier with catapults? Where do we go if the 'B' does not come on line?
Was money involved when we ordered our EMALS system?
Was money involved when we decided to exchange one of the early 'B' model aircraft for the 'C'?
How much money has already been spent in the research and development of the carriers to convert them to CATOBAR configuration?
I was told they were never going to be built with that ski jump we saw on the through deck cruisers and yet from all accounts these aircraft are going to struggle taking off with anything like a decent payload. Will that decision also be reviewed and another redesign considered?
If we go for the 'B' then does that means the carrier will not be able to operate any type of EW or AEW fixed wing asset? Would we be able to develop a UAV to carry out these roles?
We deserve better.
If these reports are true then is this just another example of little boys wanting to play with bigger boys but not having those toys the big boys play with!
We all know how the big boys treat those little interfering boys that cannot fulfil their promises.
