Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:45:40-2:45:48

The converted Tigers could operate helicopters and Harriers

A practical aviation question asks whether the converted cruisers' flight deck could really support aircraft operations.

Flight DecksHelicopter OperationsNaval AviationSea HarrierTiger Class Cruisers
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Question

Could aircraft actually operate from the converted Tiger-class cruisers?

Short answer

Yes; they operated helicopters and even tested Harrier landings from the flight deck.

Notes

Yes. The converted cruisers' aviation arrangements were working facilities rather than cosmetic deck space. Harrier landing trials showed that a vertical-landing jet could also use the deck under test conditions. A surviving photograph of one such landing provides direct evidence of that broader aviation potential.