[tanknetter]

Further, the Brits are planning to operate the F-35B from them, which lands vertically. So no need for an angled deck.

The Kuznetsov class carriers operated by Russia and the ChiComs are STOBAR: Short take off but arrested landing. They operate conventional jets that require an arrested landing, but use skijumps not catapults for launch.

Missing from the picture is India’s “new” carrier, the old Kiev class Gorshkov. Shes been converted from VSTOL to STOBAR, flying MiG-29Ks. Looks like a Kuznetsov Mini-me.

[Kenny Bunk]

You got the CHICOMs with their super ASCMs attacking your carrier group from every point on the compass. You got your Russki Bears targeting your carriers with their missiles from 500 miles out. You got every Tom, Dick, and Harry piss-ant country with silent diesel subs.

OK. So 1/50 of these missiles gets a hit. They have thousands. That's enough to screw us up big time. Are we sure that the super-carrier isn't the Dreadnought of 1912 ... way cool ... but useless in two years? F-35 vertical take-off? Sure. But then you need to refuel right away to go on the mission.

Let's talk pre-emptive strike on the CHICOMs, OK? Maybe that way we can wipe out that money we owe them.