I've watched too many SHAR pilots come back to mum at night with no googles, poor ergonomics and zip fuel for a go around; and have had nothing but total admiration for the guys that fly them and maintain them.
However, what would the shape of the Falklands War been if we had a true carrier, especially with AEW coverage for the fleet? we cannot turn back time, but without the political clanger that cancelled Ark's replacment, surely the '82 thing would never happened ?
The RN not having the legacy of a mud-moving aircraft for 'Royal', would there have ever been a Sea Jet ?