Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:45:41-4:46:16

Why a British Greyhound or Hawkeye program needs a carrier plan

An earlier British E-2A or C-2A purchase is tied to retaining or building the conventional carrier needed to use it.

Airborne Early WarningC-2 GreyhoundCarrier Onboard DeliveryCVA-01E-2 HawkeyeFalklands War
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Question

Could earlier British decisions have led to investment in an E-2A or C-2A program?

Short answer

Only with an Ark Royal-style carrier or CVA-01 in the plan; without that carrier, the answer sees no practical route to the aircraft.

Notes

An early British E-2A or C-2A program would depend on having an appropriate carrier. The reply ties that possibility to retaining an Ark Royal-style carrier or building CVA-01. Without such a conventional carrier in the scenario, it sees little basis for pursuing the aircraft. The answer makes the carrier decision the prerequisite and does not provide a separate procurement timetable.