Naturally. when we discuss CVF we think of future F35 operations, which once again are going to be of a STOVL nature, since we have gone back to the B variant.
However, CVF will also carry Merlin for ASW and ISTAR, both for protection of the carrier and as a contribution to the task groups capabilities. Remember the
Invincible class CVS was originally intended as a "through deck cruiser" to operate a large squadron of ASW Sea Kings.
Regrettably the SDSR axed several of the larger RFAs that could embark four or so Merlins. Therefore this will be an important capability that CVF provides, particularly with a smaller number of frigates post SDSR and potentially no Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
In the first post of this thread, I asked what needed to be done to get things moving. One of the replies was to sort
MASC out.
MASC was also going to be important. The name change from FOAEW (Future Organic AEW) reflected the changing role from simply AEW and fighter control to wider maritime and air surveillance and control tasks.
In the interim, when the Sea King AEW2 was upgraded to Mk7 standard, the new term ASACS indicated a wider role. It has been used as an ISTAR asset both at sea to support maritime security operations (and has flow from larger RFAs as well as the CVS), and against land targets, as well as the more traditional carrier based role.
MASC has now become Crowsnest (a great nautical name) - which
this article discusses:
A lot of things have changed, however, and not for the best. MASC has become Crowsnest, and it is now pretty much certain that the new AEW solution will be Merlin HM2-based, with the helicopter being fitted with the Cerberus system, migrating from the Sea Kings, or with the new Lockheed Martin Vigilance podded radar system. A marked backwards step from the earlier Navy hopes of procuring around 10 dedicate AEW platforms: under the new scenario, the already hard-worked fleet of Merlin helicopters, while going down from 42 (4 in storage) to 30, would be loaded with yet another role, in addition to ASW and Maritime Security in the Gulf.
Even worse, there is a very real risk of having to face an AEW gap of several years, with the Sea King Mk7 bowing out in 2016, with the replacement only available possibly as far away as 2021 or 2022.
I think most of us share these concerns.
The article then discusses the two Merlin based proposals for Crowsnest. If nothing else, it how appears that there is a dedicated staff and some funding.