Appendix 6

The Future Aircraft Carrier

In 1997 the Ministry allowed two constructors to publish in outline some of the concept studies leading towards the design of future aircraft carriers for the RN.¹⁶ Possible ship designs have to be considered in the light of the aircraft that will be carried, and it was envisaged that about 20 fixed-wing Harrier replacement aircraft and 10 ASW (probably helicopters) would be carried, though studies looked at both fewer and more aircraft. The most likely fixed-wing plane was the US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), a programme, to which the UK made a significant contribution. V/STOL JSF are about twice the weight of a Harrier and more demanding in fuel and weapon arrangements. Alternatives considered included a conventional take-off (catapult) and landing (CTOL) aircraft such as the F-18 or a navalised Eurofighter Typhoon, and short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR). The helicopters were assumed to be Merlins, though Chinooks could be accepted.

It soon became clear that the prime mover should be the WR-21 gas turbine, and studies quickly showed that these should drive through electric generators, converters, and rectifiers to propulsion motors. Four such engines would give a speed of about 30kts. Initial studies were based on conventional equipments, but developments, sponsored by MoD, in permanent magnet motors have shown great promise, as have parallel work on rectifiers. This combination offers the possibility of turbines and generators in the island, eliminating uptakes and down-takes passing through – and obstructing – the hangar. The main generators will also power ship’s services, a scheme known as Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (1997 studies).

One option considered was to give the Invincibles a major update (SLEP), but the risk of running a ship for 60 years did not seem worthwhile. A container ship could be converted, but the capability would be poor compared with a new build and the cost saving would not be great.

Options to be considered were:

The BAE Systems study for the future carrier CV(F). The Ministry of Defence eventually awarded the development contract jointly to BAE and the competing consortium led by Thales. (BAE Systems)

Funds would be enough for three small ships or two of the larger variant. Design study contracts were placed for a ship of about 40,000 tons. It is hoped that Ocean will fill the gap when one carrier is under rent.

These studies incorporate a very large number of innovations that would normally be seen as risky, but most have been proven on full-scale test rigs.

WR-21 Turbines

Integrated Full Electric propulsion

Structural radar-absorbent material

The JSF

Combat system

Complement reduction

Vulnerability and signature reduction

CTOL catapult and arrester gear

It is hoped to order the first ship in 2004 to complete about six years later.

Some representative studies:

In November 1999 two consortia¹⁷ were awarded £30 million contracts for six studies – large (40 aircraft) and small (30 aircraft) versions of STOVL, STOBAR and CTOL designs. Delay in a decision on the final phase of the Joint Strike Fighter led to these contracts running on into the risk-reduction phase. A key date is in late 2003 when the style of the CV(F) must be decided in order to meet in service dates of 2012 and 2015. The decision will be affected by the choice of AEW aircraft, and the conventional E-2C Tracker has not been ruled out.

As this book is being prepared for publication, the Ministry has revealed the results of the ‘competition’. The Thales design (sub-contracted to BMT Defence Services, Bath) was preferred but BAE Systems will be given overall responsibility for the programme as prime contractor with Thales as partner – and the Ministry accepting 10 per cent of the risk.

The ships will displace about 60,000 tons and carry up to 48 aircraft, mainly the Lockheed Martin F-35 Future Joint Combat Aircraft (formerly the Joint Strike Fighter). They will have two widely-separated islands on the starboard side and podded propulsors.

It is hoped to place a £2.8 billion order for detailed design, build and initial support in early 2004 for completion in 2012 and 2015 – I hope I live to see them! Sections will be built by BAE Systems (Clyde), Vosper-Thornycroft (Portsmouth), Swan Hunter (Tyne) and Babcock (Rosyth). It is expected that assembly will be at Rosyth.

¹⁶ J F P Eddison and J P Groom, ‘Innovation in the CV(F) – an aircraft carrier for the 21st century’, Warship 97, RINA 1997.

¹⁷ Thales – Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and BMT; CVF – BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, and Harland & Wolff.