Aircraft Carriers III

bd popeye

The Last Jedi
VIP Professional
That is a problem with western carriers. They typically dedicate as little deckspace on ship defense as possible.

Not a problem..but an advantage. More aircraft are aboard.

More shipboard weapon systems? Doesn't matter. A US Navy Carrier Strike Group job is to protect the CVN. And that they do.

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
STRIKE GROUP

"The Carrier Strike Group (CSG), composed of roughly 7,500 personnel, an
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
, at least one
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
, a
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
of two to six destroyers, a
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
of 65 to 70
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
& one SSN. A carrier strike group is the largest operational unit of the
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
and comprises a principal element of U.S. power projection capability.

The Carrier Strike Group is a flexible naval force that can operate in confined waters or in the open ocean, during day and night, in all weather conditions. The principal role of the carrier and her air wing within the Carrier Strike Group is to provide the primary offensive firepower, while the other ships provide defense and support. These roles are not exclusive, however. Other ships in the strike group sometimes undertake offensive operations (launching cruise missiles, for instance) and the carrier's air wing contributes to the strike group's defense (through combat air patrols and airborne anti-submarine efforts). Thus, from a command and control perspective, Carrier Strike Groups are combat organized by mission rather than by platform."
 

adeptitus

Captain
VIP Professional
That is a problem with western carriers. They typically dedicate as little deckspace on ship defense as possible. Even the Chinese seem to be headed the same way. I think one of the concerns is likely about expense in integrating those sorts of complex air defense systems. In the case of the UK they would likely have to add SYLVER launchers for the Aster or something like that. I would not be surprised if the Royal Navy expected to have two Type 45 destroyers guarding each carrier together with an Astute-class attack submarine.

I think the Type 26 is really weak in terms of air defense capabilities compared with the FREMM frigates however. The air defense missiles have really lousy range and velocity for example. Worse than the ESSM. The Aster 30 is a lot better. Heck, even the current Chinese air defense missiles are better, let alone the ones they'll develop once the S-400 missiles are cloned.


The primary purpose of the aircraft carrier is to carry aircraft. Self defense systems are important but also takes space/weight away from aviation related facilities. Deck space is a premium.

The shorter ranged SAM on the Type 26 can be quad packed, which allows carrying more missiles. There is an ER version but I am unclear if they can be quad packed in the same (non strike length) VLS cells.
 

gelgoog

Brigadier
Registered Member
The primary purpose of the aircraft carrier is to carry aircraft. Self defense systems are important but also takes space/weight away from aviation related facilities. Deck space is a premium.

The shorter ranged SAM on the Type 26 can be quad packed, which allows carrying more missiles. There is an ER version but I am unclear if they can be quad packed in the same (non strike length) VLS cells.

Sure, but when there are longer range stand-off air launched anti-ship missiles with about the same speed, like the Kh-31, you have to wonder about the usefulness of a defense system like that.
 

Brumby

Major
Sure, but when there are longer range stand-off air launched anti-ship missiles with about the same speed, like the Kh-31, you have to wonder about the usefulness of a defense system like that.

The defense system you referred to are part of a layered screen. The plan has always been to go for the quiver and not the arrow. It was with the F-14s and the phoenix in the past during the cold war. Today there is the F-35/F-18s with their AIM-120Ds. A CBG can put a CAP out to 500nm with the F-35 and an APG-81 that can further detect another 200nm beyond, Good luck trying to get a Kh-31 that can launch within effective range. The problem with all these standoff weapons and their ever increasing range is that they need targeting solutions. In other words, you can't shoot what you can't see. What is your reconnaissance strike sensors that can survive a contested environment? .
 

Gloire_bb

Captain
Registered Member
The Russian model the Aircraft cruiser sacrifices deck space for armaments. This results in smaller flight decks and hanger bay's. Although in theory it would mean less need for Escorts the result is a less efficient carrier and less effective cruiser.
It doesn't sacrifice deckspace, Kievs discounted(they weren't true carriers to begin with). Volumes, sure.
 
Top