Image source: topwar.ru
The British Navy presented the Ark Royal project, which involves the gradual modernization of aircraft carriers of the Queen Elizabeth type and may result in the abandonment of the operation of F-35B fighters.
As indicated in the Zona Militar edition. It is proposed to create an inclined (angular) deck for take-off and landing of aircraft, while drones will be lifted into the air from the front of the straight deck currently used by the air wing, which, due to their much smaller dimensions, require less room for maneuver on board the ship. This will increase the share of UAVs in the composition of equipment used from aircraft carriers.
- the representative of the fleet explained.
Image source: topwar.ru
The basis of the wing of the Queen Elizabeth class ships are the F-35B Lightning II fighters. At the same time, they belong to STOVL-type aircraft, that is, they carry out a vertical landing. However, the British Navy wants to equip aircraft carriers with aerial finishers eventually, which means a desire to switch to the widespread operation of other types of aircraft that are not capable of vertical landing.
This is justified by the "limitations in the availability of the F-35B to achieve the combat potential of aircraft carriers," that is, their shortage. As indicated, 31 F-35Bs are in service (not counting three based in the United States and one side lost in November 2021), if necessary, to have 60-80 aircraft of this type.
Against this background, the aircraft carrier modernization project indirectly demonstrates either the lack of funds for the purchase of new F-35Bs, or the reluctance of the fleet to continue their purchases, which may be caused by the constant technical problems that accompany the operation of this American stealth.