I hoped this wouldn't happen...

[DaveB]

the sensor fusion and radar capabilities make anything bar the F-22 look a bit Amish

That made me laugh

Skip.. where did the 50 year life cycle come from mate?? While our American cousins are capable of such rejuvenation, I can't recall any of our last rash of carriers lasting any more than 30 years at most. Using AR IV as a starter, although laid down in the mid 40's, she wasn't commissioned until 1950 and was gone by 78. Hermes.. commissioned 59, decomissioned 85. Invincible.. commissioned 77.. decomissioned 05. The remaining 2 continually play now you see me.. now you don't. Outside of HMS Victory, I can't recall us keeping anything in commission anywhere near 50 years.. 28-30 seems about it. It'd be nice to see that happen and it makes any such purchase rather more viable to the buying masses (or should that be voting public) but looking at our ships longevity overall, it would be something of a milestone.

ATB

DaveB

[SkippyBing]

Dave,

I can't name an exact source off the top of my head, but I've seen multiple references to the life span being designed for 50 years, generally in the context of the design being able to accept cats and traps later on for a second generation of aircraft as well as other features to accommodate future operations/capability upgrades etc. I'll see if I can track one down. Of course Hermes has now completed 50 years of operational service and I think the Indians are planning on getting a couple more out of her. I think the trick is to use actual steel rather than the tin foil they seem to have used in the recent classes of ship!

[DaveB]

Hi Skip

Yes indeed mate. When considering the second-hand market.. some old girls seem to go on for above and beyond their expected lifespan and why not It's just that we as a country don't keep em anywhere near that long as a first time user or haven't done thus far. I see no good reason why we shouldn't but something else to consider.. using Hermes as an example. What usage do they give her?? Sitting alongside for say 40 out of 52 weeks per year is one thing.. sending her out into the wild blue yonder on flag waving missions if nothing else is a different story. The Indians bought Hermes to fulfil a certain task and I'm sure she does this without too many moans and groans but the ship isn't tasked to do a great deal and the Indians are famous for their ability to 'keep something going'
Flip the coin again and Hermes days (late 70's) were already numbered and were it not for the Falklands conflict, her 'in commission' time with the RN would most certainly have been less than she eventually managed and by some margin.

I've no doubt the technology is there to produce a ship to last 50 years but to last that long as a front line fighting unit (in the real sense) is asking rather a lot for anything. By selling an aircraft carrier to a navy that exists running on second-hand, out of date technology is one thing.. keeping that same ship at the cutting edge of technology over the same lifespan is something else. I wonder if a bit of salesman's waffle isn't responsible for these somewhat 'wild' claims Still.. if you find the reference, I'll be glad to read it.. if not more than a little tongue in cheek

ATB

DaveB

[John]

I suppose the important thing is that we get the two hulls, then if the circumstances change we can affect the changes to the spec that we need to affect and that includes the airframes!

Kind regards

John

[Trev Clark]

As I have said before, if any new carrier makes it into service, I'll eat my hat!!!!!