Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:07:40-2:07:55

A CATOBAR Queen Elizabeth class for the U.S. Navy

A conventionally powered CATOBAR Queen Elizabeth derivative could increase carrier numbers but challenge the nuclear-carrier programme.

Aircraft CarriersCATOBARNaval ProcurementQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersUS Navy
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Question

What are the arguments for and against the U.S. Navy adopting a CATOBAR Queen Elizabeth-class carrier?

Short answer

It could provide more carriers at lower cost, but its affordability might undermine support for continued nuclear-carrier construction.

Notes

A CATOBAR Queen Elizabeth-class design could increase the number of carriers available to the U.S. Navy. A cheaper conventional ship might make an eighth carrier easier to obtain within a constrained budget. That affordability would also create an institutional obstacle by inviting comparison with nuclear-powered carrier construction. The proposal is therefore framed as a trade-off between fleet quantity and the political-industrial commitment to nuclear carriers.