Yan Dynasty wrote:The Manticoran Empire wrote:It is capable of operating 20 Harrier or F-35B fighters from its deck and it doesn't have a well deck (which the Marines bitched and moaned about QUITE a lot) so I'd say it does. The primary benefit I see from it is cheaper construction and operating costs, allowing me to have more of them, allowing them to take up some other positions and reducing the strain on my super-carriers.
I ask because it seems to me like her primary purpose isn't to launch aircraft, but helicopters. This is quite unlike the older light carriers who were still dedicated aircraft carriers. I dunno. I'm not an expert. For what it's worth Wikipedia lists the America as a helicopter carrier. Also, the general definition of a light carrier, according to Wikipedia, is as follows:
"The precise definition of the type varies by country; light carriers typically have a complement of aircraft only one-half to two-thirds the size of a full-sized fleet carrier. A light carrier was similar in concept to an escort carrier in most respects, however light carriers were intended for higher speeds to be deployed alongside fleet carriers, while escort carriers usually defended convoys and provided air support during amphibious operations." So, I think that's one thing to consider. Y'know, ignoring the fact that the twin concepts of light and escort carriers is pretty outdated.
Putting that aside, why does your nation have supercarriers? Is your navy the most powerful force in the world? Politically speaking, I think that's the only real justification one could have for constructing and operating thirteen of the monstrosities.
And, on an unrelated note, is your nation at all related to the Honorverse?
America's main role is amphibious assault, but her job she needs significant aviation capabilities. There's no reason that her aviation capabilities can't be used for things other amphibious assault. If needed it would be easy to switch her mission from amphibious assault to that of light aircraft carrier. Ditch the troops than swap out the transport helicopters for more F-35s and some ASW helicopters and you have an Instant light carrier. F-35s are a bit gimped compared to flying them off something like the QE due to the lack of a ski jump but beyond that it wouldn't have any difficulty doing the job.