Airborne early warning is not limited to orbiting directly above the carrier. A Crow's Nest Merlin can operate farther forward in the task group and, when necessary, refuel from a Type 45 destroyer. That positioning moves the radar horizon toward the expected threat and buys the force more warning time. Escort flight decks and aviation fuel therefore contribute directly to carrier air defense.
Notable Point · 1:04:40-1:05:09
Forward-deployed Crow's Nest extends a carrier group's warning line
A Crow's Nest Merlin can operate ahead of the carrier and refuel from a Type 45 destroyer, placing its radar horizon closer to the threat axis.