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Let's have the RN follow the earlier 1960s RCN model with Bonaventure, where they keep CATOBAR carriers into the 1980s, but only for ASW. The Audacious class and Centaur are not refitted in the 1960s, but are instead used up and then scrapped in 1970. Focus instead is made on Hermes and Bulwark, with both refitted for ASW work.

HMS Hermes enters service from her refit, here in 1975 with ASW rotary and fixed wing. She is followed in 1976 in the identical guise and CAG by HMS Bulwark. The refits are expected to be extensive, so the RN never orders the Invincible class through-deck cruisers.



SHAR is never developed, the RN has no Phantoms, while AEW Gannets, Scimitars and Vixens are retired, Buccaneers given to the RAF, as the FAA is an ASW force now. HMS Albion, also enters service in 1977 is refitted as a commando carrier to serve alongside Fearless and Intrepid, with catapults and arrestor gear removed, and without the widened flight deck of Hermes and Bulwark.

April 1982. The RN has two ASW carriers and one commando carrier. What can the RN send to the Falklands? The FAA's fighter pilots are either retired, long-transferred to the RAF or flying ASW Gannets. There are no AEW Gannets.

For starters I'd recall all the Buccaneers. But what of fighters? F-8 Crusaders? Perhaps there's no fighters to send.
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