Quote:
Originally Posted by archineer
Harrier was a damn good aircraft! If not, why does the US Marine corps use it?
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Depends on the role you are intending to use them for and if you have the luxury of having your air support generally covered by the USN or USAF or are up against an opponent with 3rd rate or non-exisitant air capabilities.
I think the key point is that the gist of the thread is that Iran having an aircraft carrier would make them some sort of threat when even the Brits jump jet (light) carriers would be laughably slaughtered by the american flat-tops with the ability to project vastly greater power over a much wider swath of area. (even the projected new QE class will carry only 1/2 the planes of the US super carriers.)
Most countries in the world except for the US have what are essentially escort carriers with only 1/3 to 1/4 of the combat aircraft on board that the large US carrier have. Take a look at this picture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US...ous_(R_06).jpg
Basically, Iran is bowing hot air and the Chinese aircraft carriers will also be more of the CVE variety as well.