Q&A ยท 2:35:26-2:37:14

How a successful P.1154 could reshape carrier aviation

A supersonic V/STOL aircraft could produce a larger Invincible class and make light-carrier aviation more credible across allied navies.

Question

What impact would a successful, mass-produced P.1154 have on navies and air forces?

Short answer

It would make V/STOL carrier aviation substantially more capable, likely enlarging British carriers and changing foreign carrier and aircraft programs.

Notes

A successful supersonic P.1154 would provide a more capable strike aircraft and change the scale of the Invincible class. The estimate is an Invincible about 15,000 tons larger than the historical ships. Making P.1154 the V/STOL baseline would leave the Soviet Forger looking less competitive and alter American choices as well. France might reconsider the path that produced Charles de Gaulle, while Japan might adopt this form of naval aviation earlier. Sweden's interest in rough-strip operations could also support further development and affect the eventual Gripen.