Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Contains threads on Royal Navy equipment of the past, present and future.
Timmymagic
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Timmymagic »

NickC wrote:Just to clarify my understanding the JSM is too long to fit into the shorter F-35B weapons bay and will require external carriage degrading its stealth capabilities plus to be effective assume it will need Block 4 a/c with the upgraded AN/APG-81 radar capable of wide area surface search by 'big SAR' enabled by additional computing power, GPU's and upgraded software
Yes JSM will not fit internally on F-35B. External only. I wouldn't worry about the Stealth aspect though. JSM has a range of 300 miles in a Hi-Hi-Lo profile, so can be launched well outside of any defences and realistically a stealthy missile hanging off a stealthy aircraft on a moderately stealthy pylon will not be picked up by a target radar at 100 miles even (thats the range for a Lo-Lo-Lo flight profile). The external carriage of JSM on F-35B being an issue is massively overstated in my opinion.

It will only be available on Block IV upgraded aircraft anyway so the radar will have those modes by the time its cleared for service.
Ron5 wrote:I'm curious as to who is the customer that would pay for this integration?
US and Norway. The Norwegians were smart, as part of their negotiations to join the F-35 programme they made the US agree that JSM would be integrated in the main integration effort and that the US would contribute to its integration. Smart move...Norway and Japan confirmed as customers, with (still not certain) the Australian's to come. Would expect the South Koreans to procure it as well. Apart from that I suspect the Danes will purchase some.

Ron5
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Ron5 »

Timmymagic wrote:US and Norway
Neither are interested in JSM on F-35B's. I don't know any nation that is.

jimthelad
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by jimthelad »

If the software for the weapons system is written then surely it is carriage trials only for a Bravo user?

Timmymagic
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Timmymagic »

Ron5 wrote:Neither are interested in JSM on F-35B's. I don't know any nation that is
That's true. But the main integration cost is the weapons system integration. With UAI once this is done for F-35A it is immediately available for B and C users. A flight test campaign for carriage and release of a wing mounted munition (particularly one that isn't required to be launched at extreme parts of the flight envelope like an AAM, or indeed carried in those flight regimes) is not going to be ruinously expensive.
Obviously for an B or C user this is more complex than the A as VL trials, assymetric launch trials etc take a little more time particularly for shipborne launch.

I do wonder if the Japanese, as the biggest customer for JSM, might be the ones who bite the bullet on F-35B/JSM for their Izumo's. That would be a long way away though..
jimthelad wrote:If the software for the weapons system is written then surely it is carriage trials only for a Bravo user?
Yes, but those trials could be extensive. Not insurmountable though.

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Lord Jim »

Japan has already developed a new air launched supersonic AShM, and they always seem to be more interested in this role than land attack, with their Self Defence moniker. For the UK the main issue will probably be whether the FCASW is integrated on the F-35B. If the weapon lives up to its billing the combination would be very powerful and flexible.

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Ron5 »

jimthelad wrote:If the software for the weapons system is written then surely it is carriage trials only for a Bravo user?
Carriage and firing trials are rather expensive. The most expensive bit of the whole process. I doubt very much if anyone will want to pay for the B. Certainly not the UK.

Timmymagic
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Timmymagic »

Lord Jim wrote:Japan has already developed a new air launched supersonic AShM, and they always seem to be more interested in this role than land attack, with their Self Defence moniker. For the UK the main issue will probably be whether the FCASW is integrated on the F-35B. If the weapon lives up to its billing the combination would be very powerful and flexible.
Realistically we're not going to see FCASW on F-35 until 2035. That's a long, long way away.

NickC
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by NickC »

Timmymagic wrote:
NickC wrote:Just to clarify my understanding the JSM is too long to fit into the shorter F-35B weapons bay and will require external carriage degrading its stealth capabilities plus to be effective assume it will need Block 4 a/c with the upgraded AN/APG-81 radar capable of wide area surface search by 'big SAR' enabled by additional computing power, GPU's and upgraded software
Yes JSM will not fit internally on F-35B. External only. I wouldn't worry about the Stealth aspect though. JSM has a range of 300 miles in a Hi-Hi-Lo profile, so can be launched well outside of any defences and realistically a stealthy missile hanging off a stealthy aircraft on a moderately stealthy pylon will not be picked up by a target radar at 100 miles even (thats the range for a Lo-Lo-Lo flight profile). The external carriage of JSM on F-35B being an issue is massively overstated in my opinion.
One of the stealth features on F-35 was its design which avoided the creation of intersecting right angle surfaces to minimise reflections (thinking of the effect on external addition of pylons and missiles). To maximise its stealth capability Lockheed also went with the added complication and expense of designing in an internal weapons bay with weapons bay doors closed until before weapons release and closed again immediately afterward. One drawback with an internal weapons bay if ever used for ASRAAM would maybe the vital seconds it would take for weapons bay doors to open before launch.

Think external pylons would definitely degrade the stealth considerably, no way to know with external carriage of weapons and EFT how much stealth capability degraded unless Lockheed revealed the data if ever tested with measurements of the numerous combinations of external pylons, missiles etc, also external stores cause significant aerodynamic drag reducing radius of action quoted

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by NickC »

NickC wrote:
Timmymagic wrote:
NickC wrote:Just to clarify my understanding the JSM is too long to fit into the shorter F-35B weapons bay and will require external carriage degrading its stealth capabilities plus to be effective assume it will need Block 4 a/c with the upgraded AN/APG-81 radar capable of wide area surface search by 'big SAR' enabled by additional computing power, GPU's and upgraded software
Yes JSM will not fit internally on F-35B. External only. I wouldn't worry about the Stealth aspect though. JSM has a range of 300 miles in a Hi-Hi-Lo profile, so can be launched well outside of any defences and realistically a stealthy missile hanging off a stealthy aircraft on a moderately stealthy pylon will not be picked up by a target radar at 100 miles even (thats the range for a Lo-Lo-Lo flight profile). The external carriage of JSM on F-35B being an issue is massively overstated in my opinion.
One of the stealth features on F-35 was its design which avoided the creation of intersecting right angle surfaces to minimise reflections (thinking of the effect on external addition of pylons and missiles). To maximise its stealth capability Lockheed also went with the added complication and expense of designing in an internal weapons bay with weapons bay doors closed until before weapons release and closed again immediately afterward. One drawback with an internal weapons bay if ever used for ASRAAM would maybe the vital seconds it would take for weapons bay doors to open before launch.

Think external pylons would definitely degrade the stealth considerably, no way to know with external carriage of weapons and EFT how much stealth capability degraded unless Lockheed revealed the data if ever tested with measurements of the numerous combinations of external pylons, missiles etc, also external stores cause significant aerodynamic drag reducing radius of action quoted
Photo of F-35 in article yesterday below with external bombs and missiles, thinking of how 'dirty' it looks and as said think will seriously degrade its stealth by carrying external stores

(The outgoing USAF acquisition chief Will Roper suggesting a future option of cutting back planned buy of F-35 and opting for NGAD and the Digital Century Series a/c due to F-35s very high life cycle costs/cost per flying hour. Its sending message to Lockheed if they do not bring sustainment costs down there will be alternatives, Congress funding NGAD development with $955 million in FY2021)

https://breakingdefense.com/2021/01/rop ... cle-costs/
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Digger22
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Digger22 »

No, changed my mind.

serge750
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by serge750 »

Thanks Naval news for the heads up, Does this bode well for QE maiden deployment to meet up with the french ? would be a good sight to see :clap:

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... rettyPhoto

BlueD954
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by BlueD954 »

serge750 wrote:Thanks Naval news for the heads up, Does this bode well for QE maiden deployment to meet up with the french ? would be a good sight to see :clap:

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... rettyPhoto
Anything can happen. Can meet up with French, USN, Italian, even Indian carriers.

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by ArmChairCivvy »

BlueD954 wrote: even Indian carriers.
Leaving the Italian ONE, and the French ONE, aside things will change when we will steam onto the scene. From the PLAN perspective the Quad’s [ see end note**] manoeuvreing has been limited (as in the Malabar Exercises) to its Southern Theatre Command, which has made their joint counterforce planning simple, compared to systemic incompatibilities and bureaucratic red-tapism inherent in Indian and American military component commands - the latter is being revamped as we speak/ write.

Exercise Malabar 2020 may have flashed international headlines, but only now the winds of change are starting to blow.

#####
**) The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (also known as the Quad) is an informal strategic forum between the United States, Japan, Australia and India that is maintained by semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills between member countries.
Ever-lasting truths: Multi-year budgets/ planning by necessity have to address the painful questions; more often than not the Either-Or prevails over Both-And.
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Jdam
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Jdam »



Some more details of the Queen Elizabeth deployment. USS The Sullivans will be with her on the trip.

Edit: know I had heard of the USS The Sullivans, she was with the QE when she deployed in the Atlantic with Marine F-35'

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The Armchair Soldier
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

US Navy commits to HMS Queen Elizabeth’s maiden deployment
The United States has committed air and naval power, plus sailors and marines to the UK’s premier military deployment of 2021.

US Marine Corps F-35 Lightning jets – identical to those flown and maintained by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force – will join HMS Queen Elizabeth on her maiden deployment.

Also joining the carrier when she leaves Portsmouth later this year is the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS The Sullivans as both a shield (defence against air and submarine attack) and spear (among other firepower, Tomahawk cruise missiles).
Read More: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-l ... 20-csg-usa

I thought CSG21 was supposed to be a fully “sovereign” deployment with only UK assets?

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Defiance »

The Armchair Soldier wrote: I thought CSG21 was supposed to be a fully “sovereign” deployment with only UK assets?
I didn't think it was ever marketed as that? AFAIK we were always having international escorts and USMC participation.

2023/2024 will be the true sovereign effort. Put together a task group with 24 UK jets on board and then we're there IMO.

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Defiance wrote:
The Armchair Soldier wrote: I thought CSG21 was supposed to be a fully “sovereign” deployment with only UK assets?
I didn't think it was ever marketed as that? AFAIK we were always having international escorts and USMC participation.

2023/2024 will be the true sovereign effort. Put together a task group with 24 UK jets on board and then we're there IMO.
Could have sworn I’d read it somewhere but a quick Google isn’t bringing up any results. Looks like I’ve dreamt it. :oops:

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Defiance »

The Armchair Soldier wrote:Could have sworn I’d read it somewhere but a quick Google isn’t bringing up any results. Looks like I’ve dreamt it. :oops:
Either way though, this isn't that far off. 2 Type 45's and 2 Type 23's is a decent number, 2 RFA and they've claimed an SSN presence. Really it's only the F-35/Crowsnest angle that needs sorting and they'll come in time

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Cooper »

Having the Americans on board the carrier and escorting it serves two purposes, filling the gaps until 2023-24 and more importantly it will put a restraint on China's belligerent behaviour when we enter the South China Sea.

If this was just a purely British effort, the level of intimidation and threats, that they're obviously planning for our arrival, would be an order of magnitude greater without the American presence.

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Timmymagic »

Cooper wrote:Having the Americans on board the carrier and escorting it serves two purposes, filling the gaps until 2023-24 and more importantly it will put a restraint on China's belligerent behaviour when we enter the South China Sea.

If this was just a purely British effort, the level of intimidation and threats, that they're obviously planning for our arrival, would be an order of magnitude greater without the American presence.
I agree with this to an extent. The Chinese already harass the USN, but I think they would have reserved some extra harassment for the RN.

I have to say I suspect a transit of the Taiwan Strait is not on the cards, but given the US and UK's near alignment on China's status as a genocidal fascist state I wish we would. A real multinational fleet sailing through there would really help back up the Taiwanese (and indeed the US who have been left alone to do it).

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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Max Jones »

Timmymagic wrote: I have to say I suspect a transit of the Taiwan Strait is not on the cards, but given the US and UK's near alignment on China's status as a genocidal fascist state I wish we would. A real multinational fleet sailing through there would really help back up the Taiwanese (and indeed the US who have been left alone to do it).
I don't think a carrier strike group belongs in the Taiwan straight. It might send a strong message politically but realistically speaking a CSG shouldn't be within 100km of the coast of a potentially hostile nation, particularly one that places a focus on shore-based anti-ship warfare.

It's like if American decided they had enough of Russia supporting the Syrian Government and so they sent an artillery bridge to set up a kilometre from one of their forward operating bases. It will probably send the right message but an artillery brigade doesn't belong that close to the enemy. That's what infantry and armour are for. Send an amphibious ready group through the Taiwan Straight, keep the carrier strike groups out in the high seas.


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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by SKB »

Image


(Navy Lookout) 27th January 2021
After HMS Ark Royal was (prematurely) decommissioned in 2010, HMS Albion, HMS Ocean and HMS Bulwark performed the Fleet Flagship role.

After more than a decade, an aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth is once again the Royal Navy Flagship.

Ron5
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Ron5 »

An interesting thread worth a read. I have no idea how accurate the data is. The aim is to show the layered defenses of a QE carrier group.

https://twitter.com/TheBrit96/status/12 ... 8634843138

Image

Defiance
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Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

Post by Defiance »

For anyone interested the software used is available on Steam called 'Command Modern Operations'

Pretty fun to mess around on

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