Q&A · 2:28:53-2:29:28

Why CATOBAR conversion would not suit Queen Elizabeth

A conversion question asks whether Queen Elizabeth-class carriers should receive angled decks and arrested landing equipment.

Angled Flight Decks Carrier Policy CATOBAR F-35B Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers

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Question

Could the Queen Elizabeth class be converted to an angled-deck CATOBAR carrier?

Short answer

A conversion may be technically possible, but he would not recommend it because the current STOVL arrangement better fits Britain's force structure.

Notes

The ships already have a deck layout with some angled operating space and could theoretically be altered. CATOBAR conversion is not recommended in this answer because the current STOVL approach is presented as a sensible balance for a medium power.