shark bait
There's nothing wrong with the Tailored Air Group concept. It seems a much more modern and flexible approach at a time when we really need a flexible approach to allow us to operate cheaply.
Just because the Americans do it doesn't mean its the right way to do things.
The TAG does seem an eminently sensible idea, it allows you to put on board any combination of aircraft and helicopters that are required for any particular task. From a full complement of F35s plus Crowsnest to any combination of attack, assault, heavy lift or anti submarine helicopters you desire. What's not to like? Well not a lot, if you are a Politian more interested in appearance than substance or the RAF which gets a very big say in what is and isn't deployed aboard. (RAF interference in Naval Air operations have always proved a disaster far the Navy.)
If the starting point was to have a properly constituted Carrier Air Wing of 36 F35 4 Crowsnest and a few Merlin's, ( which was I believe the standard complement the carriers were designed to carry), all owned operated and controlled by the RN, properly worked up with regular deployments aboard ship, which could then be modified as required to produce a TAG. Even creating a giant Commando carrier! (Even the USN has done that sort of thing before though only rarely.) I wouldn't have a problem with that. But that is not what's going to happen. What is likely to happen is that their will be sporadic deployments of F35 and various combinations of helicopters, basically whatever the RN can get hold of at any particular time. Of course it will all be dressed up to look good. I can just see a future Joint Warrior. A Merlin Crowsnest hovering in the distance, marines running across the vast expanse of deck to waiting Chinooks, soon they are lifting off followed by mean looking Apaches. Then their is a deafening roar as the first of half a dozen F35s launch from the ski jump. In a remote Scottish glen we hear the rhythmic thump of rotor blades as the Chinooks appear with escorting Apaches buzzing around like angry wasps ready to unleash devastation on any enemy lurking in the heather. The Chinooks rear up as they come into land, door gunners alert searching for signs of the enemy. Marines rushing down the rear ramp quickly taking up position as in seconds the Chinooks depart the thump of the rotors being replaced by the scream of jets as the F35, pass low overhead. I'm sure the watching media will be suitable impressed, while it will be great fun for the participants and even provide some useful training to the few. Amazing what can be done with half a dozen F35s and a handful of Chinooks and Apaches and a company of marines! It's hardly what we spent over £6 billion to achieve but in the TAG era I suspect its what we will get (when we get anything).
From the Politian's point of view TAGs are a godsend. They obviously need to justify spending all that money on two giant carriers, but equipping them with proper Carrier Air Wings would be very expensive, (100 F35s alone for the RN), while a TAG can consist of any combination of any suitable aircraft or helicopter that's available whether its RN, Army or RAF. No need for all those F35s for the RN a dozen will do, the RAF can always make up the numbers if needed, well for one carrier at least!!
For the RAF TAGs give them control over what goes on the carriers (they provide most of the assets in particular F35s) and if their is one thing the RAF has always wanted is control over ALL air assets.
For the Navy TAGs give them hope. They sacrificed a lot to get their two carriers, admitting it was a mistake would be very hard so TAGs justify the sacrifies they made while giving them the hope that in the future they will be able to rectify their shortcomings and reconstitute proper carrier aviation. Through Deck Cruisers spring to mind.
Shark bait I hope I've explained my reservations about Tailored Air Groups. A cynical view perhaps, but a justified one I believe.
