Q&A ยท 3:01:38-3:02:00

Drone frigates revive the battlecarrier compromise

Angled flight decks on proposed drone frigates and destroyers repeat the old attempt to combine a surface combatant with a substantial aviation role.

Question

Are angled-deck drone frigates and destroyers recreating the battlecarrier?

Short answer

Yes in concept; they combine a surface combatant's weapons with a significant aviation mission, reproducing many of the same design compromises.

Notes

Proposed frigate and destroyer drone carriers with angled flight decks invite comparison with the battlecarrier. The answer accepts that connection and cites a recent British Type 45 option as very close to the concept. The common feature is combining a surface combatant with a substantial aviation role. The brief exchange does not assess a particular design's aircraft capacity or technical feasibility.