Q&A · 4:23:04-4:23:34

Larger carriers would not make the Super Frelon a natural Royal Navy choice

Operating Malta-class carriers or CVA-01 would not remove the Super Frelon's range, handling, support, and political disadvantages for the Royal Navy.

Question

Would Malta-class carriers or CVA-01 make the SA 321 Super Frelon more viable for the Royal Navy?

Short answer

No; larger decks would not remove the helicopter's range, size, support, and political procurement disadvantages.

Notes

Carrier deck size is only one constraint on adopting a large naval helicopter. The Super Frelon's range and physical size would still have to match the Royal Navy's actual missions, lifts, cranes, maintenance spaces, and support system. A French aircraft would also enter a procurement environment shaped by domestic industrial and political choices. Larger carriers might make deck handling easier, but they would not by themselves turn the type into the preferred British solution.