Would a loyal-wingman drone for the Queen Elizabeth class need a catapult, or could a short-takeoff-and-landing design work?
Short answerA short-takeoff-and-landing variant is described as the approach being considered at the time.
NotesA short-takeoff-and-landing variant is the option being considered for Queen Elizabeth-class loyal-wingman operations at the time of the discussion. The brief exchange leaves recovery method, payload, and range unspecified.