Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:32:58-2:34:40

Why nuclear Queen Elizabeth carriers would become CATOBAR ships

Nuclear propulsion would remove the logic for retaining a STOVL-only Queen Elizabeth design and push the carriers toward catapults, arresting gear, and F-35Cs.

CATOBARF-35CNaval AviationNuclear PropulsionQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal Navy
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Question

How would the Queen Elizabeth-class design change if the carriers were nuclear powered?

Short answer

They would probably be faster, need more specialist crew, and adopt CATOBAR operation with F-35Cs rather than remain STOVL carriers.

Notes

A reactor would provide denser power and greater speed but require additional specialist watchkeepers. Given that investment, building a non-CATOBAR carrier would make little sense, so the air group would probably center on F-35Cs rather than F-35Bs. The F-35C's long strike reach could also weaken the case for funding the Eurofighter's strike role.