UK Defence Forum

That would be good, would that be possible? even enough to cover the Crowsnest requirement would be good !!!

long term financial thinking helps so much rather than short term savings.

I don't think it's too shabby for a first deployment, way better than the previous CVL could do maxed out, Obiously it could be better, but as said, it will be in a couple of years, will be good for trying out the interoperability issues that may arise for operating more than a handful of F35, plus ...

Perhaps the Argentinians will start to complain about this mighty warship replacing the old opv….

Really busy 2020 for both the carriers then... thanks savetheroyalnavy for the info



https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/royal- ... 18-months/

I agree 48 does seem relatively low ( especially when fired in two's ), but comparable to a lot of EU navies & at the time cost was added to the equation, maybe the planned future upgrade of mk 41 was a factor, 48 + if you added 24 CAMM would be better.

Would it be possible to convert the mission bay for more mk 41 in a modular type add on, as & when the mission dictates ? either that or have a few with no mission bay but more mk 41 for a increased load ? quad packed CAMM aswell. I don't think only having 1 wildcat when on AAW duties would be d...

SW1 wrote:Or why not just go with the Australian hunter class configuration from ship 4 onward.

Not a bad idea really, all T26 & AAW derivatives total commonality ! would there be any downsides ?

I wasn't saying do not do the planned engine upgrades to keep them going for now, I was saying do not do any future upgrades like mk 41 or future surface to surface missile or any unnecessary upgrades that increase their effectiveness (unless H&S concerns etc) just keep them ticking over until t...

Yes, if I had a say in it I would just keep the T45 running without any major upgrades and push for the replacement ( if based on the T26 hull ) as soon as possible to hopefully aid commonality and maybe save a few pounds on a smaller crew? as somebody suggested previously think about omitting the m...

So HMS POW is preparing for part 2 sea trials around February, maybe F35 flight trials late 2020 or early 2021?

First deployment of HMSQE is 2021, so is there any news on when HMS QE is leaving port before then ?

If the idea for the future LHD/LPD is to be close to shore with 2 or 300 marines ready for landing then another ( if a bigger assault is required ) 2/300 lily padding from the carrier' then do the RN/RM need anything bigger than the current (+ hanger!) Albion's??? If a really big force was needed th...

Your right it definitely looks like a 2/3 scale modal of the wasp class LHA/LHD, also I think your bang on the money about the concern of the RN loosing a QEC if a large LHD was built, personally I prefer the look of the mistrals Maybe a smaller LHD like the mistral could be pushed past the bean cou...

Hope it's not a fibre glass one.... jealous of the familys and kids onboard for the entry into Portsmouth

Early 2021? That doesn't leave a lot of time for QE first deployment mid to late 2021? But I suspose at least the relevent skills will be fresh in the pilots mind.

Just a couple of comments: If both UK carriers were deployed together, they would undoubtedly be in one CVG (not two) and the numbers of helicopters & escorts debated here need to reflect that. I think that would be awesome to see !!! maybe when we have more planes / hellicopters along with T45...

Interesting, QEC as a CATOBAR would be awesome to see ! as electo catapaults are a bit iffy ???? maybe STOBAR as you guys already do that with the Russian carrier & soon to operate IAC 1, I thought IAC 2 was going to be conventionally powered ? but if a nuke reactor could be made to work, go for...

I do like the engine test area of CdeG, right at the back exiting the rear of the ship, bet it looks good at night time testing !! sorry of topic.

Maybe the Graveyard is for long stay parking

If the 5 basic T31 come in on time & underbudget could any unspent money be ploughed into a further carrot dangled batch to grow the royal navy ?

A decision for the mid 2020's ?

Lord Jim wrote:Should we start a "Bring back Penny", campaign, as she did seem to be making some positive moves even before she even got her feet under her desk at the MoD. Her removal was a strange move by Boris in my opinion.

Probably to sensible to be government...

Probably to sensible to be in government....

Looks like Germany/Airbus are also starting to look at Typhoon as a replacement for the Tornado ECR. Looks like it will require additional pylons plumbed for tanks in this configuration......and they've added Spear-EW....suspect this is just speculative, but is it signalling German interest? Surpri...

It does seem like a awfully lot of money! but I suspose it depends on what the specs are as to cost & is the budget inclusive of others costs, would a maintenance contract be included in the price? If they can't be built for the price how viable is it for a lower spec version to be built or just...

Ironic that the drop tanks got dropped.... I get me coat ...