When is an Aircraft Carrier...

[TSR2]

... not an aircraft carrier.

HMS Illustrious is on the Tyne this weekend so I'll be taking the family down for a nosy. Shes now a "Helicopter Carrier" so given that she doesnt seem to have changed substancialy, what stops her carrying aircraft, or is it simply that we don't have any Harriers left?

[DaveB]

I think that's basically it Ben.. no Harriers. If I'm not mistaken, they used to change roles (when we had all 3 in service) anyway. Now we have one.. it's a helicopter carrier or it's not

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Although helicopters are not aeroplanes, they are aircraft as are blimps ballons and airships

[GHD]

The thing that surprised me is that she is carrying Apaches

I'll be seeing her tomorrow.

[Garry Russell]

Maybe unexpected...but are you really that surprised

Given the trend that has been on going for so many years

[DarrenL]

It's just gone back to the role it was originally designed for in the 1960s.

[TSR2]

Heres a few shots from an hour or so ago...

[Scorpius]

How many South American fighters can you shoot down with an Apache helicopter chaps?

We've been here before...........................

[TSR2]

Agreed, I firmly believe we should have kept enough Harriers to support her as an Aircraft Carrier until the new ship(s) come online- (if they ever do)

Given the increased tension in the southern Gulf, we are very exposed

[GHD]

Maybe unexpected...but are you really that surprised

Given the trend that has been on going for so many years

I thought the Apches were used only by the Army and this is a Navy ship.

Or has the Army usurped the Navy once again