00X/004 future nuclear CATOBAR carrier thread

[Heresy]

I must be in the minority then because I think that would be a bad idea!

Setting aside 2 dry docks or 2 shipyards for the production of CVN's at full bore would be a BIG commitment. That's like putting all your eggs into one basket. The only way that would make sense is if the PLA navy is 100% convinced that CVN's will remain the dominant power projection force not just for today but for the next 50 years.

With all the new technology coming out today ( drones, computer AI, hypersonic missiles ) that's a really big if. I think using 1 dry dock to build a CVN at a time is a safer bet. That leaves more resources to pursue other things. Granted I have no proof either way. We just have to wait and see.

Your argument is based on assuming that dockyard resources are limited. China choosing to build these CV (or CVNs) is not stopping her from building a requisite number of other surface ships as well as submarines. And with a downturn in civilian ship demand, keeping the dockyard and workers busy building a carriers is probably a good way to maintain your shipyard and building capacity.

 

[henrik]

I must be in the minority then because I think that would be a bad idea!

Setting aside 2 dry docks or 2 shipyards for the production of CVN's at full bore would be a BIG commitment. That's like putting all your eggs into one basket. The only way that would make sense is if the PLA navy is 100% convinced that CVN's will remain the dominant power projection force not just for today but for the next 50 years.

With all the new technology coming out today ( drones, computer AI, hypersonic missiles ) that's a really big if. I think using 1 dry dock to build a CVN at a time is a safer bet. That leaves more resources to pursue other things. Granted I have no proof either way. We just have to wait and see.

China has many drydocks for building. They can build more dry docks if they want.