One speculative conversion study would insert a new hull section into the Queen Elizabeth class. Extra turbines and diesel machinery would supply more power, while the insert would also add hangar space. Stored electrical energy could support an electromagnetic aircraft-launch system. The proposal would produce a full CATOBAR carrier, and its extra cost is argued to be smaller relative to less ambitious modifications than might first appear. This is one of several studies, with substantial development still required. In the June 2025 assessment, changes on this scale would probably wait for midlife refits in the late 2030s or later.
Notable Point · 5:22:42-5:23:57
A hull insert could support a Queen Elizabeth-class CATOBAR conversion
A speculative hull insert adds generation and hangar capacity for a full CATOBAR conversion, with major work deferred to a much later refit.