What-If the CVE was revived for their Purpose

[Sr. Gopher]

With all of the actions around Africa, the possible threats at Yemen, and all of those things, what if the WWII CVE idea was revived, with ASW aircraft, and strike aircraft, and the new UAVs in the works. These could perform a variety of duties - most noteably convoy escorts around Africa. Even 1 or 2 could possibly suffice. an airwing of 10 manned and 3 unmanned aircraft. Just an idea though.

[Simon_Hwood]

Interesting concept. I have have thought about this one too, although a more flexible vessel. In an anti Piracy role you the facitlty to deploy marines would be an asset. Something perhaps a bit larger tham the Royal Navy's Invincible class, but with a cat & arrestor gear rather than a ski jump, I would think Harriers could be addapted for cat launch, and the ability to handle fixed wing aew assets would be handy.

Like the UAV idea, that hadn't occoured to me.

Si

[Sr. Gopher]

...In an anti Piracy role you the facitlty to deploy marines would be an asset. Something perhaps a bit larger tham the Royal Navy's Invincible class...

Whoa there, just remember that we need to be realistic. It's an escort carrier after all. The idea to deploy marines is an excellent idea, but it should really just be about 30 or 40 men. About 2 or 3 Helos. There would probably also be 2 anti-sub aircraft, the rest would probably be 2 attack helos and 2 strike aircraft. Maybe a vessel that is 400 ft long. Keep in mind though, It's still just an escort carrier.

[doog_k]

Something like an RFA Bay class LPD with a through deck, Helos & Harrier 2s?
Or Japan's new DDHs?

[Sr. Gopher]

Maybe, but the carrier should just serve as a liason ship, and not in an active military role so like I've said, not so big. Also, it shouldn't "violate" any naval constitutions like the Japanese DDH.

[GMG4RWF]

Actually, I drew a modernized Zuiho class when I was a kid (a CVL�s not a CVE but the same capacity). Actually several CVEs were kept on up to Vietnam, USS Annapolis (AGMR-1) was the former USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107) & received the first satellite transmission capability in the US fleet. But I would recommend something closer to a CVL due to its higher speed (particularly if you want it to launch/land anything conventionally, more wind over the wings).