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DRONES ON CARRIERS; A THREAD
Interesting things happening with the newly with the former HMS Ocean, recently renamed NAM Atlântico. The Brazilian navy has reclassified its PHM Atlântico (A140) LPH as a multipurpose aircraft carrier under the name of NAM Atlântico.
Interesting things happening with the newly with the former HMS Ocean, recently renamed NAM Atlântico. The Brazilian navy has reclassified its PHM Atlântico (A140) LPH as a multipurpose aircraft carrier under the name of NAM Atlântico.
The ship is now able to operate with fixed-wing medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles as well as crewed tiltrotor VTOL aircraft. This information has been confirmed with a Tweet released by the Brazilian Navy on November 26, 2020. https://twitter.com/marmilbr/status/1332016019766996997?s=20
According to the Brazilian Navy, the ship has been modernized to accommodate and operate on its deck with remotely piloted aircraft as well as with turboprop aircraft for vertical landing.
What this means is that Atlântico will now be able to operate fixed wings drones and UAVs in the medium-altitude long-endurance UAV (MALE UAV) category. Notable examples of this type of drone are; General Atomics MQ-1 Predator, IAI Heron and the Elbit Hermes 900.
What does this mean for STOVL carriers in general? The time is fast approaching where UAVs and other fixed wing drones will be able to take off from shorter runways.This provides a cheap but capable ground strike and surveillance capability for even some of the smallest carriers.
This includes the QE class of carriers. Drones will soon play an increasing prominent role in naval and air warfare. The RN has already begun a testing process with drones onboard its carriers, with an initial display on PoW. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/carrier-hms-princes-of-wales-to-be-used-as-drone-testbed/
Below will be a list of ideas that could be explored by the RN:
1. LANCA
Already under development by the RAF, LANCA could be a great supplement for F-35 combat power offering increased capability, protection, survivability and information when deployed alongside combat aircraft.
1. LANCA
Already under development by the RAF, LANCA could be a great supplement for F-35 combat power offering increased capability, protection, survivability and information when deployed alongside combat aircraft.
2. Multirole UAS
Conventionally armed multi-role Strike UAS capable of conducting ASW, ASuW or AAW. Either in a support role with conventional assets or as capability in their own right. e.g. LM Sea Ghost, Puma, and NG MQ-8 Fire Scout.
Conventionally armed multi-role Strike UAS capable of conducting ASW, ASuW or AAW. Either in a support role with conventional assets or as capability in their own right. e.g. LM Sea Ghost, Puma, and NG MQ-8 Fire Scout.
3.UAS Refuelling
Unmanned autonomous refuelling is the least likely on this list to be generated organically from the carrier.The only solution at the time of writing is the MQ-25 (something under consideration by the navy already).This would require the addition of 1 EMALs track
Unmanned autonomous refuelling is the least likely on this list to be generated organically from the carrier.The only solution at the time of writing is the MQ-25 (something under consideration by the navy already).This would require the addition of 1 EMALs track
4. Wraith
This one is confusing, from what I've read, the Wraith concept is described as 'ultra-fast UAS deployed in waves from a hopper, act as a disposable lethality platformUed for local area defence in individual or swarm configurations.' Let me know if this means anythin..
This one is confusing, from what I've read, the Wraith concept is described as 'ultra-fast UAS deployed in waves from a hopper, act as a disposable lethality platformUed for local area defence in individual or swarm configurations.' Let me know if this means anythin..
5. LUAS AEW
Another strange one, this would see the return of airships to naval warfare. The ideal use of this would be to have a low signature large HAPS UAS with crows nest AEW deployed on board. Would provide greater over the horizon capability and free up merlin helicopters.
Another strange one, this would see the return of airships to naval warfare. The ideal use of this would be to have a low signature large HAPS UAS with crows nest AEW deployed on board. Would provide greater over the horizon capability and free up merlin helicopters.
6. Sea Viper launched CubeSats
Probably my personal favourite from this list, these micro satellites would be launched from Sea Viper VLS and provide a 'one-shot' C2D2E resilience and surveillance capability.Could either launch from a T45 or Sylver could be installed on a carrier
Probably my personal favourite from this list, these micro satellites would be launched from Sea Viper VLS and provide a 'one-shot' C2D2E resilience and surveillance capability.Could either launch from a T45 or Sylver could be installed on a carrier
7. High Altitude Pseudo Satellite + Long Range ISR
3x armed HAPS could be deployed over-the-horizon, maintaining position around the carrier to enhance C4ISR, AEW & C2D2E resilience. Covert long range/long endurance ISR UAS should be able to stay up for even weeks at a time.
3x armed HAPS could be deployed over-the-horizon, maintaining position around the carrier to enhance C4ISR, AEW & C2D2E resilience. Covert long range/long endurance ISR UAS should be able to stay up for even weeks at a time.
8. Bell V247 Vigilant (!)
The most versatile on the list in my opinion. Could perform a number of tasks. As a tilt-rotor aircraft it has STOVL capabilities and would be able to carry out COD and potentially UAS refuelling if enough money was invested.
The most versatile on the list in my opinion. Could perform a number of tasks. As a tilt-rotor aircraft it has STOVL capabilities and would be able to carry out COD and potentially UAS refuelling if enough money was invested.
9. Tactical Precision Strike
In recent conflicts we have seen suicide drones used to great effect. Loitering munitions have never really been utilised in their current form at sea (unless you consider TLAM to be one but I don't). This could be launched directly from the carrier.
In recent conflicts we have seen suicide drones used to great effect. Loitering munitions have never really been utilised in their current form at sea (unless you consider TLAM to be one but I don't). This could be launched directly from the carrier.
10. XLUUV
These last few won't be UASs but instead UUVs that can be imbedded. A large UUV will be capable of Strike and Force protection of the carrier group, alongside an SSN. Imagine loyal wingman but for subs. In my opinion, the XLUUV will begin to replace SSKs.
These last few won't be UASs but instead UUVs that can be imbedded. A large UUV will be capable of Strike and Force protection of the carrier group, alongside an SSN. Imagine loyal wingman but for subs. In my opinion, the XLUUV will begin to replace SSKs.
11. UUV Hunter-Killer
A slightly more niche capability, this UUV is designed to loiter around the carrier, sensing and seeking objects of interest. Think of this more as a last line of defence for the carrier group underwater. (pictured is the NG e Iver3-580)
A slightly more niche capability, this UUV is designed to loiter around the carrier, sensing and seeking objects of interest. Think of this more as a last line of defence for the carrier group underwater. (pictured is the NG e Iver3-580)
12. LUSV
Finally, a large multi-role USV armed with conventional/ novel weapons and ISR could be directly controlled from the carrier, acting as a picket or fringe ship of the carrier group. (Think the picture below but corvette sized)
Finally, a large multi-role USV armed with conventional/ novel weapons and ISR could be directly controlled from the carrier, acting as a picket or fringe ship of the carrier group. (Think the picture below but corvette sized)
END
Just to finish, these concepts have mainly been aimed at the Queen Elizabeth class of carriers, but could apply to any navy with carrier ambitions. @CarryStrategy @bdc_1234 @EngageStrategy1 @TotherChris @DefenceSenseUK @Gabriel64869839 @BO3673 @DavidLarter @pinstripedline
Just to finish, these concepts have mainly been aimed at the Queen Elizabeth class of carriers, but could apply to any navy with carrier ambitions. @CarryStrategy @bdc_1234 @EngageStrategy1 @TotherChris @DefenceSenseUK @Gabriel64869839 @BO3673 @DavidLarter @pinstripedline
