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Carrier-based aircraft

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French F-2 Rafale M and American F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft perform a fly-by over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during integrated French and American carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations.
Indian Navy's Sea Harriers fly along side U.S. Navy's F/A-18F Super Hornet during Malabar 2007.

Carrier-based aircraft are those designed specifically for operations from aircraft carriers. The term is generally applied only to fixed-wing aircraft, as naval helicopters are able to operate from a wider variety of aviation-capable ships. Carrier-based aircraft must be relatively sturdy to withstand demanding carrier operations. They must be able to launch in a short distance and be sturdy and flexible enough to come to a sudden stop on a pitching deck; they typically have robust folding wing mechanisms that allow higher numbers of them to be stored in below-decks hangars. These aircraft are designed for many purposes including air-to-air combat, surface attack, submarine attack, search and rescue, materiel transport, weather observation, reconnaissance and wide area command and control duties.[1]

History

Taxi-ing along the flight deck of HMS FORMIDABLE.
The first carrier landing and take-off of a jet aircraft: Eric "Winkle" Brown in 1945.

First manned aircraft were Balloon carriers , used during the 19th and early 20th century, mainly for observation purposes.[2] The 1903 advent of fixed wing airplanes was followed in 1910 by the first flight of such an aircraft from the deck of a US Navy cruiser. Seaplanes and seaplane tender support ships, such as HMS Engadine, followed. The development of flat top vessels produced the first large fleet ships. This evolution was well underway by the mid 1920s, resulting in ships such as HMS Hermes, Hōshō, and the Lexington-class aircraft carriers.

World War II saw the first large-scale use and further refinement of the aircraft carrier, spawning several types. Escort aircraft carriers, such as USS Bogue, were built only during World War II. Although some were purpose-built, most were converted from merchant ships as a stop-gap measure to provide air support for convoys and amphibious invasions.[3]

Before World War II international naval treaties of 1922, 1930 and 1936 limited the size of capital ships including carriers. Aircraft carrier designs since World War II have been effectively unlimited by any consideration save budgetary, and the ships have increased in size to handle the larger aircraft. The modern aircraft of United States Navy may deploy 60-100 aircraft on carriers , yet its complement of aircraft is roughly the same — a consequence of the steadily increasing size and weight of military aircraft over the years.[4]

Modern navies that operate such ships treat aircraft carriers as the capital ship of the fleet, a role previously played by the battleship. The change, part of the growth of air power as a significant factor in warfare, took place during World War II. This change was driven by the superior range, flexibility and effectiveness of carrier-launched aircraft. Following the war, carrier operations continued to increase in size and importance. Supercarriers, typically displacing 75,000 tonnes or greater, have become the pinnacle of carrier development. Most are powered by nuclear reactors and form the core of a fleet designed to operate far from home. Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Tarawa and HMS Ocean, serve the purpose of carrying and landing Marines, and operate a large contingent of helicopters for that purpose. Also known as "commando carriers" or "helicopter carriers", many have a secondary capability to operate VSTOL aircraft.[4]

Types

Carrier-based aircraft are build in mainly three different versions to suit the needs of its various users.

  • Short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the aircraft.
  • STOBAR (Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery).
  • CATOBAR(Catapult Assisted Take Off But Arrested Recovery)

Short takeoff and vertical landing

Harrier is most famous example of STOVL aircraft.

STOVL is often accomplished on aircraft carriers through the use of "ski-jump" runways, instead of the conventional catapult system. STOVL use tends to allow aircraft to carry a larger payload as compared to during VTOL use, while still only requiring a short runway. The most famous example is probably the Hawker Siddeley Harrier Jump Jet [5], which though technically a VTOL aircraft, is operationally a STOVL aircraft due to the extra weight it carries at take off for fuel and armaments. The same is true of the F-35B Lightning II, which demonstrated VTOL capability in test flights but is operationally STOVL.[6]

Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery

Su-33 is example of a STOBAR aircraft.

STOBAR is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier, combining elements of both STOVL and CATOBAR. Aircraft launch under their own power using a ski-jump to assist take-off (rather than using a catapult like most carriers). However, these are conventional, rather than STOVL aircraft, and thus require arrestor wires to land on the ship. The Russian Navy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov operators Su-33 is example of a STOBAR aircraft, another will be the Indian Vikramaditya and the future Vikrant class aircraft carrier both are likely to operate MiG-29K.[7]

Catapult Assisted Take Off But Arrested Recovery

A-4 Skyhawk is example of a CATOBAR aircraft.

CATOBAR is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Under this technique, aircraft launch using a catapult assisted take off and land on the ship (the recovery phase) using arrestor wires. Although this system is more costly than alternative methods, it provides greater flexibility in carrier operations, since it allows the vessel to support aircraft with full combat payload. Only three countries still operate carriers that use the CATOBAR system; the U.S. Nimitz class, and USS Enterprise (CVN-65) with F-18 series[4], France's Charles De Gaulle with Rafale, and Brazil's NAe São Paulo with A-4 Skyhawk.[8]

Using catapult allows an aircraft carrier to launch large fixed-wing aircraft . For example,US Navy launches Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye AEW aircraft and Northrop Grumman C-2A Greyhound cargo aircraft by using catapult.

Carrier-based aircraft in service

See also: List of carrier-based aircraft

A total of nine navies maintaines Carrier-based aircraft.The United States, Brazil, United Kingdom, India, Thailand ,Spain, Russia, Italy and France operate vessels capable of carrying Carrier-based aircraft .

Carrier-based aircraft currently in service:

Brazil (1)
France (3)
India (1)
Italy (1)
Russia (2)
Spain (1)
Thailand (1)
United Kingdom (1)
United States (7)

Future Carrier-based aircraft

Several nations which currently possess aircraft carriers are in the process of planning new classes with new Carrier-based aircraft to replace current ones.

China

Over the years, China has acquired four retired aircraft carriers for study: the Australian HMAS Melbourne and the ex-Soviet carriers Minsk, Kiev and Varyag. Reports state that two 50,000-60,000 ton aircraft carriers are due to be finished by 2015.Sukhoi Su-33s (navalized Flankers) are the aircraft most likely to be flown from these carriers.[9]

India

File:LCATrainerModel.jpg
HAL Tejas Naval version

In 2004, India agreed to buy the Admiral Gorshkov from Russia for US$1.5 billion.The deal also includes the purchase of 12 single-seat Mikoyan MiG-29K 'Fulcrum-D' (Product 9.41) and 4 dual-seat MiG-29KUB aircraft.

India started the construction of a 40,000 tonne, 260 m-long Vikrant-class aircraft carrier.[10] The new carrier will cost US$762 million and will operate MiG-29K, Naval HAL Tejas and Sea Harrier aircraft.

Italy

Marina Militare STOVL aircraft carrier Cavour began in 2001. The ship of nearly 30,000 tons is being built by Fincantieri of Italy and has been officially commissioned to the Italian Navy since summer 2008. The ship can operate with AV-8B, F-35B.[11].

MiG-29KUB at MAKS Airshow

Russia

Russian Navy expects to buy MiG-29K for a single aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. The Mig-29K/KUB is carrier-based multi-role fighter designed to operate from the Admiral Kusnetsov-class ships. It is a derivative of the Mig-29M featuring an arresting hook, hardened landing gear, folding wings, new engines, 8 pylons for weapons, and advanced air-to-surface capabilities. It retains the helmet-mounted sight, the built-in IRST and cannon from early Mig-29s. [12]

United Kingdom

An F-35 Lightning II, marked AA-1, lands on 23 October 2008

The Royal Navy has signed a deal to build two new larger STOVL aircraft carriers, the Queen Elizabeth class, to replace the three Invincible-class carriers. The ships are to be named HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.Their primary aircraft complement will be made up of F-35B Lightning IIs[13][14]

United States

The current US fleet of Nimitz-class carriers are to be followed into service (and in some cases replaced) by the Gerald R. Ford-class.Their primary aircraft complement will be made up of F-35B Lightning IIs and F-35C Lightning IIs. F-35B Lightning II is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the aircraft.This variant to replace the Harrier fleet.

The United States Navy will be the sole user for the F-35C Lightning II variant. It intends to buy 480 F-35Cs to replace the F/A-18A, B, C, and D Hornets. The F-35C will also serve as a stealthier complement to the Super Hornet.[15] On 27 June 2007, the carrier variant completed its Air System Critical Design Review (CDR). This allows the first two functional prototype F-35C units to be produced.[16] The C variant is expected to be available beginning in 2014.[17] The first production F-35C was rolled out on 29 July 2009.[18]

See also

References

Notes
  1. ^ Fred T Jane (2005). Jane's All the World's Aircraft. Jane's Information Group.
  2. ^ http://www.sandcastlevi.com/sea/carriers/cvchap1a.htm
  3. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Black
  4. ^ a b c http://www.history.navy.mil/download/car-7.pdf
  5. ^ "Hawker Siddeley Harrier." British Aircraft Directory. Retrieved: 6 May 2009.
  6. ^ Ride the Lightning: Testing the Marine Corps' latest fighter
  7. ^ http://en.rian.ru/world/20090212/120111325.html
  8. ^ http://odia.terra.com.br/portal/rio/html/2009/7/o_gigante_dos_mares_voltou_apos_quatro_anos_parado_23232.html
  9. ^ "www.defenseindustrydaily.com/china-to-buy-su33-carrierbased-fighters-from-russia-02806/".
  10. ^ "Indian Aircraft Carrier (Project-71)". Indian Navy [Bharatiya Nau Sena]. Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 11 September 2009.
  11. ^ "Cavour - Light multirole Aircraft Carrier". Digilander.libero.it. Retrieved 2009-01-30.
  12. ^ http://www.barentsobserver.com/new-fighter-jets-for-admiral-kuznetsov.4636606-58932.html
  13. ^ "Queen Elizabeth class Future Aircraft Carrier CVF (002)." Pike, J. GlobalSecurity.org.
  14. ^ "UK | £3.2bn giant carrier deals signed". BBC News. 2008-07-03. Retrieved 2009-01-30.
  15. ^ F-35C Carrier Variant globalsecurity.org.
  16. ^ "F-35 Navy Version Undergoes Successful Design Review, Readies for Production." Lockheed Martin, 7 June 2007.
  17. ^ Grant, Rebecca L., Ph.D. "Navy Speeds Up F-35." Lexington Institute, 14 September 2009. Retrieved: 20 September 2009.
  18. ^ "F-35 Lightening II rolled out" FrontierIndia.net, 29 July 2009.
Bibliography
  • Chant, Chris. "Aircraft of World War II" Barnes & Noble: New York (1999) ISBN 0760712611
  • Collier, Basil. "Japanese Aircraft of World War II" Mayflower: New York (1979) ISBN 0831751371
  • Donald, David (2001). Carrier Aviation Air Power Directory. Norwalk, CT: AIRtime Publishing. ISBN 1-880588-43-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Gunston, Bill. "Combat Aircraft of World War II" Salamander Books: London (1978) ISBN 089673000X
  • Munson, Kenneth. "Aircraft of World War II" Doubleday: New York
  • Pawlowski, Gareth L. "Flat-Tops and Fledglings" Castle Books: New York (1971) ISBN 0498076415
  • Clark G. Reynolds. The fast carriers: the forging of an air navy (1968; 1978; 1992)
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