Now I want to say that I am a big military nut and have always wondered just how fast the modern world could change from Civilian to military production much like how the American economy did during 1940/41 .
Specifically I want to know if other people agree it is possible to take a large cargo vessel and modify it to be an aircraft carrier . Historically the Falklands War showed that a container vessel could be used to operate VSTOL aircraft and helicopters so long as it was not put in harms way . A pair of Phalanx CIWS mounted amidships would have most likely protected her .
With the Modern world as it stands I see two options .
Option 1 .
Container ships from the Panamax size class and up are taken for conversion . A Flight deck is mounted at a height allowing for a single hangar deck underneath . Two or three lifts are mounted to facilitate aircraft transfer . Hull space is used for weapons stowage , fuel stowage and the other necessities of a Carrier . Sponsons are added to carry CIWS and a new bridge is built . No catapults are included however a 12.5 degree ramp is included. Conversion also includes a basic C3 and Combat system . Vessels are chosen on the basis of age reliability and speed . 21 knots is the minimum . Ship length will be anywhere from 240 metres to 360 metres long with a Beam of 40 to 59 metres. Assume a Hangar of 200 metres long and 26 metres wide . Assume an airgroup of 50 F-35 B and 12 SH-60 class .
Option 2 :
Only using the Ultra large container vessels . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mærsk_Mc-Kinney_Møller_(ship)
With a length of 360 metres and a Beam of 59 I see no reason why a full CTOL carrier would not be capable . The EMALS Catapult system could easily be used and with gas turbine generator sets mounting the power needed would be relatively simple . An angled flight deck is possible and an offset bridge structure can be used to balance this . Air Group could conceivably be larger then a Nimitz as the Hangar could be larger .
I understand for this to be even thought about it would take WW3 however for a nation like China is it a potential quick way to CV superiority .
Specifically I want to know if other people agree it is possible to take a large cargo vessel and modify it to be an aircraft carrier . Historically the Falklands War showed that a container vessel could be used to operate VSTOL aircraft and helicopters so long as it was not put in harms way . A pair of Phalanx CIWS mounted amidships would have most likely protected her .
With the Modern world as it stands I see two options .
Option 1 .
Container ships from the Panamax size class and up are taken for conversion . A Flight deck is mounted at a height allowing for a single hangar deck underneath . Two or three lifts are mounted to facilitate aircraft transfer . Hull space is used for weapons stowage , fuel stowage and the other necessities of a Carrier . Sponsons are added to carry CIWS and a new bridge is built . No catapults are included however a 12.5 degree ramp is included. Conversion also includes a basic C3 and Combat system . Vessels are chosen on the basis of age reliability and speed . 21 knots is the minimum . Ship length will be anywhere from 240 metres to 360 metres long with a Beam of 40 to 59 metres. Assume a Hangar of 200 metres long and 26 metres wide . Assume an airgroup of 50 F-35 B and 12 SH-60 class .
Option 2 :
Only using the Ultra large container vessels . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mærsk_Mc-Kinney_Møller_(ship)
With a length of 360 metres and a Beam of 59 I see no reason why a full CTOL carrier would not be capable . The EMALS Catapult system could easily be used and with gas turbine generator sets mounting the power needed would be relatively simple . An angled flight deck is possible and an offset bridge structure can be used to balance this . Air Group could conceivably be larger then a Nimitz as the Hangar could be larger .
I understand for this to be even thought about it would take WW3 however for a nation like China is it a potential quick way to CV superiority .