No Carriers in the RN? (2 Viewers)

[Captain]

I just heard something that I find unbelievable; The Royal Navy is doing away with its aircraft carriers? Through-out history probably the greatest naval force in the world and they're getting rid of their carriers? Hopefully they have an alternate vessel in mind due to Harriers not needing the long flight deck? Would some of you Brits on here tell me if this is true or what's going on please?

 

[Martin Tabony]

I think you'll find us Brits find it unbelievable also. Oh and they're doing away with the Harrier aswell!

Martin

 

[4th Hussar]

I understood that the RN will continue constructing the new carriers but not purchase aircraft to fly off them. If the catapults are operable you can fling junk cars at the enemy.

 

[lancer]

Sounds like austerity measures to me. Also sounds pretty shortsighted, especially if GB needs to project military influence in a situation like the Falklands War. Carriers are the only way to do it. And what's the point of building or maintaining carriers without an aircraft to fly off it? End of an era? Nelson will be spinning in his grave. -- Al

 

[trooper]

They are being replaced by a fleet of pedaloes chartered from Bournemouth Town Council. These will be armed with rapid fire BB guns and crow scarers. The Health and Safety Department and the Green Party have welcomed this move, saying that the decreased carbon emissions will be of great benefit to the environment. There was a statement from the Board of Admiralty, but it's content would be unacceptable to Shannon so it cannot be reported here. Trooper

 

[glossman]

As I understand it, the Royal Navy will be without a carrier strike force capability from now until about 2020.

The Invincible has been scrapped, the Ark Royal is being retired and the Illustrious converted to purely helicopter ops until 2015 (the Harrier also being retired).

The new HMS Queen Elizabeth will enter service in 2015 fitted to operate helicopters, not jet aircraft.

When the new HMS Prince of Wales enters service in 2019-2020, she may be the only operational carrier in the Royal Navy fitted for strike aircraft.

The Queen Elizabeth may be mothballed when the Prince of Wales enters service.

Raymond

 

[larso]

Well if you've got no carriers you've got a good excuse not to get into any expensive or unpopular wars - which maybe fine unless the war is on your doorstep....

 

[Mitch]

MADNESS!!!
Mitch

 

[Captain]

I'm glad to hear that there is at least plans for new carriers. I had not heard that part.

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Captain - You don't know the best bits - they are building two Carriers - but will sell one off when they are both completed. In the meantime (approximately ten years or so) HMS UK will plow on regardless, presumably by sail-power. When the one we keep is ready - there will be no planes available to use it!!

Yes, the Harrier could take off from other ships - but another military genius has decided to scrap these as well - at the same time. The Ark Royal is to be scrapped - or - sold off. Whoa there Betsy - sold off - to whom?

Hypothetical Scenario:

We sell off Ark Royal - which is then sold on to a third party - say - somewhere in the South Atlantic (just to take an example out of thin air!). Then (say) this country with the Aircraft Carrier - decides to Annexe an Island somewhere nearby- to safeguard their newly imposed "No Fly Zone" and "fishing Rights" - or "Potential Oil Field" in their sphere of influence.

Sound Familiar?

Britain responds by sending a strongly worded letter - and that's about all it will be able to do chums.

Politicians? - too busy filling out expense forms
Planners - too busy worrying about pensions
Old Soldiers/Sailors - Dinasours (according to the two above).

We shall see! In the meantime - do have a nice one. Now where did I put my "Noddy Suit"? johnnybach^&confuse

 

[Rob]

I can't help wondering if Argentina is watching all this with great interest.

Rob

 

[Mitch]

My thoughts exactly. Hopefully, they will not be as stupid twice?? Though, we do have stronger defences now than
Mitch

I can't help wondering if Argentina is watching all this with great interest.

Rob

 

[VIRIATO]

I wouldn't think of Argentina but of something much more dangerous that might come from around fortress Europe, say the Muslim world in turmoil:rolleyes2:. It's always reassuring knowing that Europe is scrapping its defenses and waiting for someone else to come to the rescue. History repeating itself again:rolleyes2:?

Paulo

 

[trooper]

Everything has to be recycled these days, so why not the mistakes of the past? Trooper

 

[Spitfrnd]

Wow, so the French Navy will now be more powerful than the RN?:rolleyes2:^&confuse It took them awhile but I wonder if Napoleon is smiling, whereever he is.

 

[Mitch]

Even without the carriers we will always be more powerful than the french!!!!.
Mitch

 

[Currahee Chris]

Just curious but perhaps they are realigning expenditures to invest in more satellite based technology- just a thought- satellites are a force multiplier as well- would have to think they would be slightly cheaper than carriers.

 

[4th Hussar]

Just curious but perhaps they are realigning expenditures to invest in more satellite based technology- just a thought- satellites are a force multiplier as well- would have to think they would be slightly cheaper than carriers.

If they can't afford to put planes on their carriers how could they afford to weapons satellites ? Perhaps it is time to mine the English Chanel ?

 

[Currahee Chris]

If they can't afford to put planes on their carriers how could they afford to weapons satellites ? Perhaps it is time to mine the English Chanel ?

I'm looking at it from the perspective of the money they save on spending for the carriers they now realign, shift, etc towards satellites- I dunno- I was reaching perhaps

 

[Rob]

Up in heaven Nelson puts his telescope to his eye and proclaims ' I see no aircraft Carriers' !!:wink2::salute::

Rob