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Posted by DAVID ALCOCK on January 17, 2025, 12:53:35, in reply to "Re: I have no idea what the USN's real thoughts are, but ..."
well it was just proven recently how reliant CVNs are on tankers no escorts, no a/c fuel without replenishment,so is nuclear that essential??? 
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To be cost effective, they will not be nuclear. That alone tends to shut down the idea. Two main issues that I saw at a glance: the airwing they would be capable of, and the range/speed/endurance. Airwing looking somewhat promising in foreseeable future. Range/speed/endurance (blue sea?) is not there without nuclear. Add nuclear, add considerable cost, which then brings us right back to what we already have. It is almost mathematical how it works out. Until that equation changes, 70 studies over the decades, or 700 studies will always bring us this same result. Considering the irreversible nature of the decision, it is then plain enough why we have not done it (to those who are aware of this, at least.)
All that written, here's a video to excite the imaginations, and consider that the equation may well change at some not so distant future point:
?si=9On593blvAiAkinc Previous Message
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I have no idea what the USN's real thoughts are, but they have their own experience of operating F-35s off Amphibs, and a lot of info of operating them off the RN's QE and POW.
The QEs were designed for Amphibious Assault support and low intensity medium range attacks.
HOWEVER, since their design aerial drones have become much more important and I would GUESS that an updated version would have to use CTOL long range drones. So an angled deck, at least one catapault, and possibly most important a very large hangar, if not double-decked hangars (depending on how drone design goes).
Some "blue-sky / sea" thinking is required.
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