Aircraft Carriers III
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
27 AUG 19 - WESTLANT19 DEPARTURE IMMINENT - USA HERE WE COME! - AND TO DO WHAT? AN OUTLINE GIVEN BELOW...….
All signs are indicating that HMS QE as planned and forecast is preparing to depart on WESTLANT19 and for the USA East coast imminently. The full crew have been returning on board over the last few days, the engines have been seen and heard cycling regularly and the contractors' tentage and other industrial clutter has been seen being rapidly cleared from the flight deck.
Below is our understanding of WESTLANT19 activities to come.
WESTLANT18 last year saw the first F35B Lightning flying off the QE but they were all flown using (only 2) specially instrumented US/UK Integrated Test Flight (ITF) Lightnings based normally at Patuxent River NAS in Maryland (hence the QE operating off the US East coast). The aircraft were flown by fully qualified experimental test pilots from the RN. RAF, USMC and BAES. This was in 2 formal phases DT-1 & DT-2, data from which allowed the UK MoD to generate the first UK F35B Military Aircraft Release to Service (MARS) (Maritime) to supplement its MARS(Land) initial release available for land based squadron pilot flying since December 2018.
So apart from further ITF testing (DT-3) WESTLANT19 is very significant as it marks the first time "standard" operational pilot instructors and pilots rather than qualified test pilots will actually fly from a QE class carrier rather than just the simulator. A major step forward and milestone in UK CEPP Transition-in plans. Further detail is given below.
Remember too that this is a trials and training deployment so aircraft numbers aboard of any type are dictated by those flying requirements and are not about showing off the carrier in its operational combat ready air wing guise (first likely much later in 2020).
There will be 5 distinct elements or phases of F35B flying carried out in WESTLANT19...…..
All this flying activity will also serve the critical transition-in training and development activity for all the ship's crew and especially the FLYCO, Ship's Ops room, flight and hangar deck personnel as the larger air wing size makes an incremental increase with all the safety, coordination and emergency procedures implicit within such.
In addition the QE will visit various US East Coast ports not least as last year the main USN carrier base at Norfolk, Virginia and carrying much Defence Diplomacy activity including hosting the UK Government lead Atlantic Future Forum with allies. There's even the possibility of a suitable photographic activity with the RAF Red Arrows, UK F35 and the QE given the Reds are presently on a 10 week North American tour
The final icing on the cake after over 3 months of WESTLANT19 is the distinct possibility that HMS Queen Elizabeth will return to UK waters to be seen sailing alongside her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales for the first time, assuming of course the PoW's sea trials progress satisfactorily in the Autumn period too.
The previous UK Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said of WESTLANT19 in June 2019
“HMS Queen Elizabeth represents the best of British innovation and is a true embodiment of our international ambition. The fact that this important ship will have visited the US twice within her short service thus far is testament to our enduring transatlantic defence relationship. In the week that we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings it is only right that we continue to look at how we can deepen our global partnerships to promote peace and deter future conflict.”
We will of course keep the Group as updated as possible on HMS QE's imminent departure detail when its officially available and all the key WESTLANT19 activities and pic/vid output.
All signs are indicating that HMS QE as planned and forecast is preparing to depart on WESTLANT19 and for the USA East coast imminently. The full crew have been returning on board over the last few days, the engines have been seen and heard cycling regularly and the contractors' tentage and other industrial clutter has been seen being rapidly cleared from the flight deck.
Below is our understanding of WESTLANT19 activities to come.
WESTLANT18 last year saw the first F35B Lightning flying off the QE but they were all flown using (only 2) specially instrumented US/UK Integrated Test Flight (ITF) Lightnings based normally at Patuxent River NAS in Maryland (hence the QE operating off the US East coast). The aircraft were flown by fully qualified experimental test pilots from the RN. RAF, USMC and BAES. This was in 2 formal phases DT-1 & DT-2, data from which allowed the UK MoD to generate the first UK F35B Military Aircraft Release to Service (MARS) (Maritime) to supplement its MARS(Land) initial release available for land based squadron pilot flying since December 2018.
So apart from further ITF testing (DT-3) WESTLANT19 is very significant as it marks the first time "standard" operational pilot instructors and pilots rather than qualified test pilots will actually fly from a QE class carrier rather than just the simulator. A major step forward and milestone in UK CEPP Transition-in plans. Further detail is given below.
Remember too that this is a trials and training deployment so aircraft numbers aboard of any type are dictated by those flying requirements and are not about showing off the carrier in its operational combat ready air wing guise (first likely much later in 2020).
There will be 5 distinct elements or phases of F35B flying carried out in WESTLANT19...…..
- Deck Testing 3 (DT-3) - the 3rd ITF flown test phase will carry on as an extension of those tests flown in 2018 but extend the aircraft weight, weapons configurations and in particular the SRVL (slow rolling vertical landing) envelope and capability. Again it will be ITF Test Pilots flying such sorties which will ultimately lead to the next amended version of the UK F35B MARS (Maritme)
- Tactical Evaluation of the UK F35B with a variety of weapons configurations to finalise the initial UK F35B Tactics Manual (owned by the UK Air Warfare Centre (AWC)). The assessments and Tactics Manual authorship are the responsibility of 17 (T&E) Sqn which has 3 dedicated UK F35B aircraft based at Edwards AFB in Arizona normally alongside its equivalent USAF (F35A) unit but also part of the US/UK ITF. Much of the TM has already been authored and approved based on overland flying and weapons trials out of Edwards. The availability of the additional carrier focussed TM supplements to both 207 and 617 Sqn crews (FAA & RAF personnel of course) later in 2020 will underpin the achievement of UK F35B Initial Operating Clearance (IOC)(Maritime) by December 2020. This is an essential element needed before a QE carrier can deploy as operationally capable (ie on CSG21 in early 2021)). It is believed 17 Sqn will not fly any of its F35B ac from Edwards to the US East coast (its 3000nm away!!) to operate off the QE but will send some of its pilots and groundcrew to operate using the UK aircraft deployed aboard the QE as she departs from the UK. We will be pleasantly surprised if we are proved wrong on this in due course.
- OCU Course Carrier Validation Flying and Training will be carried out by 207 Sqn pilot Instructors who have the long term responsibility now of training all UK pilots converting on the F35B Lightning at Marham. This is the first opportunity for the 207 Sqn Instructors to validate their carrier related pilot training sortie content techniques for clearing these pilots (including extant 617 sqn pilots) to land and take off from the QE class carriers within the initial UK F35B MARS(Maritime) now available. All UK F35B pilots that will be deploying on WESTLANT19 will need to be approved to operate the F35B off HMS QE (and by consequence HMS PoW) prior to them then flying any activities planned on Phase 4 below.
- Operational Training will then be flown by (mostly) 617 Sqn pilots with a view to them consolidating their routine carrier take offs and landings but also starting to fly operational training sorties including both the carriage and dropping of the presently cleared weapons for the UK F35B (AMRAAM, ASRAAM & Paveway IV LGB). It is also understood as part of this phase the F35Bs will take part in their first air defence combat air patrol and intercept training and procedures development both in coordination with HMS QE's Ops Room but more critically perhaps the escorting HMS Dragon, the T45 Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) Destroyer who will have the prime responsibility for providing long to medium range air defence along side the F35B in any operational and exercise circumstance in the future. This is one of the most exciting developments in the UK CEPP Transition-in plan not least as it returns a vital afloat fleet air defence capability to the RN and its carriers but also takes it out into a new dimension altogether in terms of stealth, a quantum leap in CAP range and endurance extensions as well as the vital coordination needed for data transfer and control that both the F35B and the T45 bring to that task.
- USMC F35B Cross decking is also understood to be planned at some point although how many and from which unit have yet to be revealed. This marks the first opportunity for some USMC operational sqn instructor pilots to fly from a QE class carrier and this is in itself more than just general cooperation with our most significant ally but also initial preparation by the USMC for their further QE class training during 2020 (possibly aboard HMS PoW) in readiness for a full USMC F35B sqn deploying alongside 617 Sqn (circa 24 F35B total) for CSG21 deploying in early 2021.
All this flying activity will also serve the critical transition-in training and development activity for all the ship's crew and especially the FLYCO, Ship's Ops room, flight and hangar deck personnel as the larger air wing size makes an incremental increase with all the safety, coordination and emergency procedures implicit within such.
In addition the QE will visit various US East Coast ports not least as last year the main USN carrier base at Norfolk, Virginia and carrying much Defence Diplomacy activity including hosting the UK Government lead Atlantic Future Forum with allies. There's even the possibility of a suitable photographic activity with the RAF Red Arrows, UK F35 and the QE given the Reds are presently on a 10 week North American tour
The final icing on the cake after over 3 months of WESTLANT19 is the distinct possibility that HMS Queen Elizabeth will return to UK waters to be seen sailing alongside her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales for the first time, assuming of course the PoW's sea trials progress satisfactorily in the Autumn period too.
The previous UK Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said of WESTLANT19 in June 2019
“HMS Queen Elizabeth represents the best of British innovation and is a true embodiment of our international ambition. The fact that this important ship will have visited the US twice within her short service thus far is testament to our enduring transatlantic defence relationship. In the week that we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings it is only right that we continue to look at how we can deepen our global partnerships to promote peace and deter future conflict.”
We will of course keep the Group as updated as possible on HMS QE's imminent departure detail when its officially available and all the key WESTLANT19 activities and pic/vid output.
Last edited:
April 2019:
MERLIN CROWSNEST (CN) UNDERGOING EMC CLEARANCE TESTING - AUGUST 2019
As with all new aircraft types or those after significant electronic or transmitter modifications, the aircraft is bombarded with a comprehensive range of EM frequencies and different power levels to assess such RF activity on the performance of the radar and its mission systems and associated data links. Equally the effect of transmission from the aircraft's CN system and radar can be assessed too. Some external frequencies can significantly affect aircraft system performance or cause interference and disruption. Flight control might also be affected and safety compromised in certain conditions (Its why you are asked to turn your mobiles and laptops off on airline flights too). A detailed and comprehensive assessment is required especially as the new CN radar is a powerful transmitter itself.. This is especially critical for carrier based aircraft as the overall electronic transmission environment is intense on or near a carrier flight deck given the many powerful radars, data links and multi-band radio transmitters that are altogether in a very small area on such a warship.
The Merlin CN development programme is ongoing and will continue throughout 2020 (and beyond) with the aim of delivering an IOC for a Flight of 849NAS CN equipped Merlins to be able to deploy as part of HMS QE's air group for CSG21 leaving the UK in early 2021.
As with all new aircraft types or those after significant electronic or transmitter modifications, the aircraft is bombarded with a comprehensive range of EM frequencies and different power levels to assess such RF activity on the performance of the radar and its mission systems and associated data links. Equally the effect of transmission from the aircraft's CN system and radar can be assessed too. Some external frequencies can significantly affect aircraft system performance or cause interference and disruption. Flight control might also be affected and safety compromised in certain conditions (Its why you are asked to turn your mobiles and laptops off on airline flights too). A detailed and comprehensive assessment is required especially as the new CN radar is a powerful transmitter itself.. This is especially critical for carrier based aircraft as the overall electronic transmission environment is intense on or near a carrier flight deck given the many powerful radars, data links and multi-band radio transmitters that are altogether in a very small area on such a warship.
The Merlin CN development programme is ongoing and will continue throughout 2020 (and beyond) with the aim of delivering an IOC for a Flight of 849NAS CN equipped Merlins to be able to deploy as part of HMS QE's air group for CSG21 leaving the UK in early 2021.
UK MOD SOURCE CONFIRMS WESTLANT19 FLOTILLA - 27 AUG 19
The UK MoD and RN sources have confirmed today 27 Aug 19 that the following RN vessels will form the WESTLANT19 ”UK Carrier Strike Group” flotilla sailing for the USA East Coast very soon.
R08 HMS Queen Elizabeth - CVF Fleet Aircraft Carrier
D35 HMS Dragon - T45 AAW Destroyer
F238 HMS Northumberland - T23 ASW Frigate - (SeaCeptor upgraded)
A139 Tideforce - Tide class Fast Refueller and fluids replenishment Tanker
HMS Northumberland will sail separately at first to join an ASW exercise with the RCN off Canada and then join up with the QE flotilla later.
WESTLANT19 will last for over 3 months and include F35B operational trials, ASW and Air Defence trials and exercises and Defence Diplomacy visits to various ports in Canada and the USA
Other allied USN and RCN warships are expected to move in and out of the RN WESTLANT19 “U.K. Carrier Strike Group” to assist in the trials and exercises
The UK MoD and RN sources have confirmed today 27 Aug 19 that the following RN vessels will form the WESTLANT19 ”UK Carrier Strike Group” flotilla sailing for the USA East Coast very soon.
R08 HMS Queen Elizabeth - CVF Fleet Aircraft Carrier
D35 HMS Dragon - T45 AAW Destroyer
F238 HMS Northumberland - T23 ASW Frigate - (SeaCeptor upgraded)
A139 Tideforce - Tide class Fast Refueller and fluids replenishment Tanker
HMS Northumberland will sail separately at first to join an ASW exercise with the RCN off Canada and then join up with the QE flotilla later.
WESTLANT19 will last for over 3 months and include F35B operational trials, ASW and Air Defence trials and exercises and Defence Diplomacy visits to various ports in Canada and the USA
Other allied USN and RCN warships are expected to move in and out of the RN WESTLANT19 “U.K. Carrier Strike Group” to assist in the trials and exercises
Forgot to post this one earlier, Crowsnest Merlin with radome lowered and under ground test:
Both RFA Tideforce and HMS Northumberland have now sailed for WESTLANT 19 in the last 24 hours. QE won't be far behind...
HMS QE SCHEDULED TO DEPART AT 1220HRS FRIDAY 30 AUG 19 - 1ST SEA LORD COMMENTS...
Subject to all being ready and serviceable R08 HMS Queen Elizabeth will depart for WESTLANT19 at 1220hrs on Friday 30 Aug 19.
She will pass Harbour entrance and the Round Tower about 1235hrs and then reach NAB tower outside by 1305hrs and join A139 RFA Tideforce that will be there waiting for her to escort her into UK waters where she will embark her initial air wing of Merlin HM2 and HC4 Helicopters and UK Joint Lightning Force F35Bs
On the announcing the departure Admiral Tony Radakin CB ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said:
“Our aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth will return to the East Coast of the United States to conduct Operational Trials with our Lightning Force, taking this 5th generation capability to the next level as they prove their ability to operate from the sea.
For decades to come, this exciting new combination of aircraft carriers and F35B Lightnings will provide a potent, globally deployable carrier strike capability, a powerful conventional deterrent and the centrepiece of our country’s expeditionary forces.”
Subject to all being ready and serviceable R08 HMS Queen Elizabeth will depart for WESTLANT19 at 1220hrs on Friday 30 Aug 19.
She will pass Harbour entrance and the Round Tower about 1235hrs and then reach NAB tower outside by 1305hrs and join A139 RFA Tideforce that will be there waiting for her to escort her into UK waters where she will embark her initial air wing of Merlin HM2 and HC4 Helicopters and UK Joint Lightning Force F35Bs
On the announcing the departure Admiral Tony Radakin CB ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said:
“Our aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth will return to the East Coast of the United States to conduct Operational Trials with our Lightning Force, taking this 5th generation capability to the next level as they prove their ability to operate from the sea.
For decades to come, this exciting new combination of aircraft carriers and F35B Lightnings will provide a potent, globally deployable carrier strike capability, a powerful conventional deterrent and the centrepiece of our country’s expeditionary forces.”
HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH DEPARTS FOR WESTLANT19 ON 30 AUG 19
R08 HMS Queen Elizabeth is captured beautifully by colleague Jonty M Sexton as she passes through the Portsmouth Harbour entrance and Round Tower outbound for WESTLANT19 and the North American East coast for over 3 months. Much to happen including 5 weeks of UK and US F35B Lightning Operational Trials in October.
In was in Pompey to see her off today! Damn she's a big girl!
In other news:
HMS QE TO VISIT CANADA DURING WESTLANT19
The RN confirmed during the Press Briefing day held last week aboard the QE that the QE and her escorts will visit Halifax, Nova Scotia during WESTLANT19. Precise dates have yet to be confirmed.
Canada of course has always been a very long standing and significant UK and RN ally having been the UK’s closest and most supportive Imperial Dominion and to this day remains a very significant NATO and Commonwealth partner sharing the same monarch and Commander in Chief
As with other British Dominions up until the 1970s and 80s our navies operated similar hulls, and the Royal Canadian Navy operating an upgraded ex RN aircraft carrier too.
We share common concerns over the strategic implications of the Arctic region too especially as the great NW passage becomes free for year round global trade shipping due to global warming effects.
The recent purchase of up to 19 large surface combatants based on the new RN T26 ASW frigate design will underpin the reinvigoration of RN/RCN cooperation as the next decade rolls out including the possibility of the RN FOST at Plymouth helping the Canadians Surface Combatant programme.
HMS Northumberland (T23 ASW frigate) which will join the WESTLANT19 deployment later sailed on 29 Aug from Plymouth for Halifax-also to join the RCN and other nations vessels in the major NATO ASW exercise “Cutlass Fury 19” - indicative of more to come.
R08 HMS Queen Elizabeth is captured beautifully by colleague Jonty M Sexton as she passes through the Portsmouth Harbour entrance and Round Tower outbound for WESTLANT19 and the North American East coast for over 3 months. Much to happen including 5 weeks of UK and US F35B Lightning Operational Trials in October.
In was in Pompey to see her off today! Damn she's a big girl!
In other news:
HMS QE TO VISIT CANADA DURING WESTLANT19
The RN confirmed during the Press Briefing day held last week aboard the QE that the QE and her escorts will visit Halifax, Nova Scotia during WESTLANT19. Precise dates have yet to be confirmed.
Canada of course has always been a very long standing and significant UK and RN ally having been the UK’s closest and most supportive Imperial Dominion and to this day remains a very significant NATO and Commonwealth partner sharing the same monarch and Commander in Chief
As with other British Dominions up until the 1970s and 80s our navies operated similar hulls, and the Royal Canadian Navy operating an upgraded ex RN aircraft carrier too.
We share common concerns over the strategic implications of the Arctic region too especially as the great NW passage becomes free for year round global trade shipping due to global warming effects.
The recent purchase of up to 19 large surface combatants based on the new RN T26 ASW frigate design will underpin the reinvigoration of RN/RCN cooperation as the next decade rolls out including the possibility of the RN FOST at Plymouth helping the Canadians Surface Combatant programme.
HMS Northumberland (T23 ASW frigate) which will join the WESTLANT19 deployment later sailed on 29 Aug from Plymouth for Halifax-also to join the RCN and other nations vessels in the major NATO ASW exercise “Cutlass Fury 19” - indicative of more to come.
In other 'other' news, HMS Prince of Wales R09 has reached another milestone as her crew has now moved aboard permanently to prepare her for sea trials in the next few weeks:
