As you know I have no regard for F-35B. But might one use that ramp to launch overloaded V-22's? Is the undercarriage of the Osprey strong enough? How must weight can be gained that way?
It's not an issue of the undercarriage. It is an issue with the extrordinarily long propellers on the Osprey that provide the lift for take off.
The V-22 is designed for Vetical takeoff. It's prop nacells were not designed to be rotated while the aircraft is rolling during take off. The propellors are so long that they would hit the deck if they were angled very much while rolling. They are meant to be taken to a safe altitude and then gradually transitioned into horizontal flight.
The ramps are not meant for the Osprey. They are meant for either Harriers or the JSF.
Why does Canberra have ski jump?
I so wish Royal Navy had 2 x LHD like these class to replace HMS Ocean
Also Royal Navy needs replacements for LPD HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark
Actually, the Royal Navy does have plans for future amphibuious vessels to do what you say, but they are all out beyond 2025. The Ocean is a perfectly good design, and it is relatively new, as are the Albion and Bulwark. They have another 15-20 years left in each of them easily. That is why the plans are out beyond 2025. I personally believe they should have two Oceans to match up nicely with the two carriers, the two LPDs, etc.
As to the new Aussie vessels, they are very nice and very capable. It would have cost them to redesign the ships without the ramp...but they would have also gained deck space. I believe they kept the ski-jump to keep their options open for fixed wing, JSF aircraft in the future.
navyrecp said:
The French are the only other nation on earth besides the United States that can field and operate a nuclear carrier task force. With their Mistrals, the Horizon DDGs and the new FREMM FFGs, they are also very well equipped. They do need, IMHO, a newer SSN. But, just the same, they are very good at what they do.
IMHO, it is just a shame that they have not replaced both of their old carriers (Clemencau and Foch) with two new ones like the De Gaulle so they always have one available.
