Th RN managed this very well for along time with Harriers. F-35B's don't make the problem better or worse, as far as I know.Wrekin1410 wrote:Enigmatically, I don’t understand the logic of the last paragraph. Surely, no matter the means of recovery, trap, vertical or SRVL, aircraft can be returning to ship from missions low on fuel and a bolt whether from failed trap or aborted SRVL can push that aircraft into a situation where it might need buddy buddy refuelling. Surely therefore, if it were ever to become available to the RN whether through modified F35’s or Ospreys or other future aircraft, and by some miracle the funds to afford it, we would take that option?Enigmatically wrote:Ron,
just take it from me, SRVL allows bigger bring back loads than VL. Fact. No its not a big revolution in carrier operations. But it does what it says on the tin.
And it also means we don't need a buddy-buddy refueller standing by. So quite different from arrested landings
SRVL will allow greater bringback under normal operational circumstances but that cannot always be guaranteed. Imagine what just an extra unplanned 5 mins flying in air-to-air combat would do to planned fuel reserves.
I'd be willing to bet a small amount that the Type 26 flying deck will take an F-35B as will the Tides and the new FSS. For emergencies. There's not always a Spanish tanker close by.
But I do think your question is a fair one i.e. what value does the RN put on Osprey with a tanker option. What value does it have as a carrier force multiplier? We've heard a lot from the RM that they're hot to trot with refueling their Merlin, presumably for long range insertions.
Unfortunately Osprey is a Boeing product so chances of a single source order would seem rather slim at the moment. Though a small order for less than half a dozen wouldn't break the bank much more than it's currently broken. The Japanese bought 5 for less than the current price for 2 F-35B's say 250 million pounds total, including service, spares & support. It would cost a bit more for the longer ranged CMV-22B.