I don’t agree here, the lack of hanger is a big detrement IMO. It limits what the vessel on its own can do, do you really want to have to send your only active carrier to these when ever they need even slight aviation capabilities.Repulse wrote:Looking at similar ships for other navies that could be good models for a new ship class for global RN Company level operations, IMO the Cheon Wang Bong-class of South Korea is very interesting.
- Capable of transporting 200 marines
- upto 3 LCM sized landing ships
- 8 large vehicles
- Range of 8,000nn
- Twin 40mm gun as a CIWS
- landing platform for two helicopters
Ok, no hangar but as the RUSI report said that this is less important, and if required could be provided OTH from a CVF or ASS.
Also, not just global operations- would also be good ships to move around the Norwegian Fjords as part of the NATO commitment to protect the Northern flank.
Add 3-4 to the fleet and combine with 2 Aviation Support Ships (similar to RFA Argus) and the 2 LPDs, then you have a solid amphibious force.
The Bays and Points are then allocated to the Army to transport the on call Strike Brigade.
Affordable? I’d say yes if the UK ambition and focus is CEPP, SBEPP (Strike Brigade Enabled Power Projection) rather than Divisional level operations and smaller operations delivered by SFs supported by RMs & Paras.
A hanger for helos and UAVs comes in handy in so many sercustances it’s almost daft not to have it. We have to remember the only reason the Albion’s today don’t have hangers is because penny pinching.