VTOL Carriers for Navy

[CougarKing]

Since the US is the only nation in the world that can afford a supercarrier like the Nimitz class, it is more probable that any future Canadian carrier will be a small one similar to the VTOL carriers in British, Spanish or Italian service. Still, it's about time that Canada has a ship that some airpower projection capability- maybe we should consider building a amphibious assault ship similar to the UK's HMS Ocean or Australia's HMAS Narvantia/Armidale Class. An amphibious assault ship that can carry 4 Harriers, 2-3 Sea Kings and a dozen CH-148 Cyclone Helicopters would be very useful in securing Canadian interests abroad, from landing a Canadian Army battalion at a crisis zone to evacuating Canadian nationals from a besieged embassy in a nation that has suddenly become hostile.

Here are some blog comments furthering arguing why Canada should build a new carrier.

http://www.noreplacementfordisplacement.com/archives/001167.html

Has anyone in this board ever considered the Harrier for Canadian Navy or Air Force service? I mean they could come in useful if the Navy ever commissions a new carrierI know the Harriers are nearing the end of their service lives in RN, RAF and USMC service, but they will probably see longer lives in Spanish, Thai and Italian service, which means that the needs for spare parts will continue. Thus, the Harrier would be a good choice for a shipboard fighter, or at least a stopgap if the (R)CAF ever gets the money and a welcome sale from Washington for the F-35s.

Any opinions on this subject?

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

Have you done a search and looked through the Navy and Air Force section before asking if we considered the question? This has come up time and time again.