by David Crawford, former British Army Infantry Officer (1974-1994)
The QE class of carriers are a totally different breed from the US Navy super carriers; they are a new concept of carrier.
No catapults - no point in having catapults as their are currently no 5th generation cat -launched aircraft, other than the F35 conventional carrier variant, so why build a new ship to operate obsolete air assets requiring additional, space hungry plant and equipment ( Cats and Arresters), so reducing space for the air-wing and other assets.
They are the first true multi role naval carriers, ideally suited to UK naval policy and doctrine. She is capable of operating a substantial air-wing of F-35B’s, she can act as a pure helicopter carrier operating every type of chopper in the UK inventory including Chinooks and Ospreys, she can carry mixed wings of helicopters and strike aircraft without any modifications, she can carry a full Royal Marine Commando, plus support troops and HQ as standard. In short she is the worlds first Fleet Strike, Helicopter, Support, Assault, General purpose carrier that can fulfill every role currently requiring a host of different platforms. She can do everything the UK needs, from global power projection, intervention, and humanitarian assistance, without any conversion or additional costs.
Much is made of her not being nuclear powered and reliant of fossil fuel replenishment. The biggest new US nuclear carriers still require to be replenished, their nuclear power plants do not provide dry stores or food, aviation fuel or munitions so topping her bunkers up is no big deal. The RN and RFA are well equipped, practiced and experienced at such things. Plus the US carriers ability to cruise for 20+ years between a 4 -5 year long refuel does not diminish the requirements of her conventional escort and supply ships to refuel and replenish from auxiliaries.
The fact the QE class are not nuclear powered, along with her size, is a major advantage. The majority of the UK’s overseas territories do not have huge harbours and many of our allies will not allow nuclear vessels into their ports. There is no point in having a flagship that can’t visit, replenish or be repaired anywhere but at home or in the USA.
Costs alone make the QE class world leaders - two multi role carriers for 3 billion? Manned by a very small crew, future proofed, easy to maintain and no harbour/port limitations. The US could probably build 10–12 of these for every Gerald Ford class carrier they currently plan to build, reflect on that : 1 nuclear carrier with an air-wing of about 75 aircraft, requiring a crew of 4300 men, 10 QE carriers, total air-wing of 700+ aircraft and total crew of 6700 men. What is the most flexible, cost effective “bang for buck” deal?
Cmdr. Nathan Gray RN, Makes the first ever F-35B Lightning II jet take off from HMS Queen Elizabeth on Sept. 25, 2018. Royal Navy Photo
