Classic British Flight Sim

... 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?

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

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

The thing that surprised me is that she is carrying Apaches

I'll be seeing her tomorrow.

Maybe unexpected...but are you really that surprised

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

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

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

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

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

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

Garry Russell wrote: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