Aircraft Carriers II (Closed to posting)

I never noticed that elevator in the from of the island..thanks!

Chakri Narubet's after lift, like the one fitted to her half sister Principe de Asturias, has the distinction of qualifying as both a centreline elevator and a deck edge one, the deck edge in question being the aft edge of the flight deck.

bd popeye said:

I never noticed that elevator in the from of the island..thanks!

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No problemo...its hard to see unless you're looking at the right angle.



There she is!

Thanks Jeff.. after serving on the USS Hancock it was my observation that those elevators not on the deck edge are a hindrance to flight operations and aircraft movement. Plus it limits aircraft stowage space in the hangar

Indeed, not convenient to have a huge gapping hole in the middle of your deck.
Several carriers had that design back in the days.

R95 Arromanches




Foch and Clemenceau



Ark Royal


Karel Doorman


Even in the US Navy

An F-8H Crusader (BuNo 148678) of VF-111 Sundowners, Attack Carrier Air Wing Sixteen (CVW-16), on the forward elevator of the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) in 1969 during a deployment to Vietnam. (USN/Chester O. Morris)

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USS Oriskany, carrier on which my father in law served.

bd popeye said:

Thanks Jeff.. after serving on the USS Hancock it was my observation that those elevators not on the deck edge are a hindrance to flight operations and aircraft movement. Plus it limits aircraft stowage space in the hangar

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Then why some ships still use such design? Lifts for munitions is difference case however.

MwRYum said:

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^^^There is an elevator in front of the bridge.



Also from this pic could it be that the elevator platform to the aft of the bridge is fold-able when not in use, otherwise the space clearance looks too small.

I think the smaller closed lift to the front could be for munitions and other stuff.

no_name said:

^^^There is an elevator in front of the bridge.

Also from this pic could it be that the elevator platform to the aft of the bridge is fold-able when not in use, otherwise the space looks too small.

I think the smaller closed lift to the front could be for munitions and other stuff.

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Could the aft elevator also support limited amphibious operations, given that it seems quite close to the waterline (purely speculating)? Or just makes it easier for the likes of launching skiffs?

no_name said:

Could the aft elevator also support limited amphibious operations, given that it seems quite close to the waterline (purely speculating)? Or just makes it easier for the likes of launching skiffs?

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Here's a better picture of the aft elevator:


The elevator is clearly large enough for moving the Harriers (or later JSFs) and any helos necessary, but it does look like it is built to service the hangar deck, and to serve as a RORO platform for dockside loading.

My mistake I though these were pics of the INS Vikrant since the discussion was on her.

The circled part was what I was talking about, it looked different from your pic so I was wondering if it was the lift somehow being in a raised position.