A strike UAV might use existing carrier arrangements, but a larger AEW aircraft could require catapult launch and arrested recovery. Once a refit must install most of the equipment for such operations, removing the ski jump and converting fully to CATOBAR may be the more coherent choice. A midlife refit would provide the opportunity to undertake the complete change rather than stop after a partial installation. The conversion could then support heavier future aircraft and an AEW platform capable of airborne control as well as warning.
Notable Point · 52:48-54:53
When a Queen Elizabeth conversion should become full CATOBAR
Adding catapults and recovery gear for AEW aircraft could make a partial Queen Elizabeth-class refit less attractive than a full CATOBAR conversion.