The nonaircraftcarier

Eichhörnchen · 06-19-15, 04:24 AM

Many seemingly great ideas for war-winning innovations conceived in peacetime do not (like the saying goes about plans) survive much past the first contact with the enemy. As an example, the specification for a single-engined fighter with rotating gun turret, which resulted in the Boulton-Paul Defiant in WW2.

The things that really work I reckon get invented in wartime, because they have to...

CCIP · 06-19-15, 05:22 AM

As I keep saying, I think the age of the aircraft carrier is passing or (arguably) has already passed at the turn of the century. The technological, operational, and most importantly economical tides have already turned, and this is all just additional evidence for that. Even the working catapult/arrestor systems and the best possible aircraft wouldn't really make a big difference. Now it's not like carriers are suddenly dead and buried - they're still the most powerful ship on the seas, but we're certainly well past the point of diminishing returns for what's a needlessly expensive weapons system for today's world.

On the other hand, we're also at a point where UAV technology is heading in the direction where every ship will soon be a pretty effective aircraft carrier.

Jimbuna · 06-19-15, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCIP

As I keep saying, I think the age of the aircraft carrier is passing or (arguably) has already passed at the turn of the century. The technological, operational, and most importantly economical tides have already turned, and this is all just additional evidence for that. Even the working catapult/arrestor systems and the best possible aircraft wouldn't really make a big difference. Now it's not like carriers are suddenly dead and buried - they're still the most powerful ship on the seas, but we're certainly well past the point of diminishing returns for what's a needlessly expensive weapons system for today's world.

On the other hand, we're also at a point where UAV technology is heading in the direction where every ship will soon be a pretty effective aircraft carrier.

Pretty much says it all George

One thing though....the usual suspects will no doubt copy what will eventually get rectified regarding the current issues.

Oberon · 06-19-15, 06:15 AM

I guess it's a good thing we went for the STOVL/SRVL approach after all.

06-19-15, 04:24 AM	#1
Eichhörnchen Starte das Auto Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: The Fens Posts: 17,447 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Many seemingly great ideas for war-winning innovations conceived in peacetime do not (like the saying goes about plans) survive much past the first contact with the enemy. As an example, the specification for a single-engined fighter with rotating gun turret, which resulted in the Boulton-Paul Defiant in WW2. The things that really work I reckon get invented in wartime, because they have to... __________________

06-19-15, 05:22 AM	#2
CCIP Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterloo, Canada Posts: 8,700 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 2	As I keep saying, I think the age of the aircraft carrier is passing or (arguably) has already passed at the turn of the century. The technological, operational, and most importantly economical tides have already turned, and this is all just additional evidence for that. Even the working catapult/arrestor systems and the best possible aircraft wouldn't really make a big difference. Now it's not like carriers are suddenly dead and buried - they're still the most powerful ship on the seas, but we're certainly well past the point of diminishing returns for what's a needlessly expensive weapons system for today's world. On the other hand, we're also at a point where UAV technology is heading in the direction where every ship will soon be a pretty effective aircraft carrier. __________________ There are only forty people in the world and five of them are hamburgers. -Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart)

06-19-15, 06:15 AM	#4
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	I guess it's a good thing we went for the STOVL/SRVL approach after all.