Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:09:57-2:10:44

Early CATOBAR concepts for the Queen Elizabeth class

French carrier work provides a route into the CATOBAR concepts associated with the Queen Elizabeth-class design studies.

Aircraft CarriersCarrier DesignCATOBARFrench NavyPA2 Aircraft CarrierPreliminary DesignsQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal Navy
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Is there information on the initial CATOBAR designs for the Queen Elizabeth class?

Short answer

Yes. The French design work is the suggested starting point because it consistently envisaged CATOBAR operation, alongside numerous British preliminary designs.

Notes

The French side of the carrier design work is the suggested starting point for CATOBAR concepts, because France intended to use catapult launch and arrested recovery. There were many preliminary Queen Elizabeth-class designs. Their range included Invincible-like concepts as well as conventional fleet-carrier forms. A large CATOBAR drawing therefore belongs within a varied set of preliminary options.