Modernizing the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Fleet

Modernizing the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Fleet PDF Author: John Frederic Schank
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 9780833037206
Category : Aircraft carriers
Languages : en
Pages : 98

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Book Description
The U.S. Navy is currently designing the next generation aircraft carrier, the CVN 21. This class of carriers will use the same basic hull form as the current Nimitz class but will include a substantial redesign of the interior of the ship for improved weapons handling and stores management functions. It will also incorporate several new technologies including a new propulsion system and new aircraft launch and recovery systems. These improvements not only will increase the operational capability of the ship but also are anticipated to lower the ship's manpower requirements and maintenance costs. Under current force modernization plans, new ships of the CVN 21 class will be introduced every four or five years as the ships of the Nimitz class reach the end of their planned 50-year operational life. Under this strategy, Nimitz class carriers will be operating for over 50 more years and it will take decades to transform the aircraft carrier fleet to ships of the new class.On the basis of some preliminary calculations that appeared promising, RAND proposed to the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aircraft Carriers an examination of a way to accelerate the transformation of the carrier force: replacing Nimitz-class carriers as they reach mid-life instead of refueling them. In this report we identify specific fleet management options for building new instead of refueling, and we evaluate their advantages and disadvantages. This report should be of interest to Navy and Office of Secretary of Defense planners examining fleet modernization options, especially those organizations addressing the costs of alternative force structure options.

Modernizing the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Fleet

Modernizing the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Fleet PDF Author: John Frederic Schank
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 9780833037206
Category : Aircraft carriers
Languages : en
Pages : 98

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Book Description
The U.S. Navy is currently designing the next generation aircraft carrier, the CVN 21. This class of carriers will use the same basic hull form as the current Nimitz class but will include a substantial redesign of the interior of the ship for improved weapons handling and stores management functions. It will also incorporate several new technologies including a new propulsion system and new aircraft launch and recovery systems. These improvements not only will increase the operational capability of the ship but also are anticipated to lower the ship's manpower requirements and maintenance costs. Under current force modernization plans, new ships of the CVN 21 class will be introduced every four or five years as the ships of the Nimitz class reach the end of their planned 50-year operational life. Under this strategy, Nimitz class carriers will be operating for over 50 more years and it will take decades to transform the aircraft carrier fleet to ships of the new class.On the basis of some preliminary calculations that appeared promising, RAND proposed to the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aircraft Carriers an examination of a way to accelerate the transformation of the carrier force: replacing Nimitz-class carriers as they reach mid-life instead of refueling them. In this report we identify specific fleet management options for building new instead of refueling, and we evaluate their advantages and disadvantages. This report should be of interest to Navy and Office of Secretary of Defense planners examining fleet modernization options, especially those organizations addressing the costs of alternative force structure options.

Leveraging America's Aircraft Carrier Capabilities

Leveraging America's Aircraft Carrier Capabilities PDF Author: John Gordon
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 0833039229
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 134

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Book Description
As the United States seeks ways to stretch its defense dollars, pursue the Global War on Terrorism, and meet other national-security challenges, it is highly likely that policymakers will increase their reliance on aircraft carriers, using them more often and in more situations than they have in the past, especially if the vessels have the additional capabilities to respond appropriately. The current and expected use of aircraft carriers led the United States Navy in fall 2004 to commission RAND to explore new and nontraditional ways that the United States might be able to employ aircraft carriers in pursuit of traditional and emerging military and homeland defense missions. Over six months, RAND created and convened two Concept Options Groups (COGs)-small groups of experienced military and civilian experts, defense analysts, and potential users who work together to identify promising ways to employ military might in nontraditional ways-to explore possible nontraditional roles for aircraft carriers. One COG explored and identified new ways that aircraft carriers could be used in combat operations; the second COG examined ways that the vessels could be used in noncombat, homeland security missions or to help the nation recover from terrorist attacks or natural disasters in U.S. territories. Among the combat recommendations to come from the COG insights are that abilities need to be enhanced to reconfigure carrier air wings; among noncombat recommendations are that the availability of nonready carriers to respond to unforeseen crises needs to be improved. This monograph summarizes the activities, findings, and recommendations of both carrier COGs. It should be of special interest to the Navy and to uniformed and civilian decisionmakers with responsibilities related to naval and carrier operations, maritime domain awareness, or homeland security.

90,000 Tons of Diplomacy

90,000 Tons of Diplomacy PDF Author: U. S. Military
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781549840012
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 92

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Book Description
This unique book examines the role of U.S. Navy aviation and aircraft carriers in the current world climate. With the demise of Soviet Union, the U.S. Navy found itself without an adversary that could challenge its conventional war-fighting capability. It sought relevance and had to decide where to accept budgetary reductions. Abandoning high-dollar weapon systems and accompanying tactics became a tough issue. Throughout the cutbacks, naval aviation remained at the heart of the Navy's force. Naval aviation received support even though much of its capability outpaced all potential adversaries. Critics cite the cost of the aircraft carrier fleet relative to the missions the Navy now performs, and the steady improvement in anti-access weapons as reasons to invest in other technologies or decrease carrier numbers. Many now question whether the nation uses and operates the carrier force effectively. Nevertheless, naval aviation continues to provide the United States with a strong and creditable (although conventional and expensive) ability to accomplish America's worldwide commitment and conduct contingency operations. CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION * A. MAJOR RESEARCH QUESTION * B. IMPORTANCE * C. LITERATURE REVIEW * 2. Establishment of Institutional Interest in Naval Aviation * 3. Retaining Naval Aviation's Capability after the Cold War * 4. Transformation in the Military * 5. The Influence of Tactics and Modernization Efforts * 6. Budgetary and Political Influence on Naval Aviation * 7. Adversaries' Capability Effect on Naval Aviation * 8. Non-core Mission's Effect on Naval Aviation * D. PROBLEMS AND HYPOTHESES * CHAPTER II - ESTABLISHMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL INTEREST IN NAVAL AVIATION * A. INTRODUCTION * B. PRE COLD WAR * C. THE COLD WAR * D. PERSIAN GULF WAR * E. CONCLUSIONS * CHAPTER III - RETAINING NAVAL AVIATION'S CAPABILITY AFTER 1991 * A. INTRODUCTION * B. THE COLD WAR ENDS AND THE NAVY SEEKS A JOB * C. THE INFLUENCE OF DOCTRINE AND TACTICS SUPPORTING NAVAL AVIATION * 1. Doctrine * 2. Tactics * D. THE INFLUENCE OF MODERNIZATION AND ADAPTATION EFFORTS SUPPORTING NAVAL AVIATION * E. BUREAUCRATIC SUPPORT FOR NAVAL AVIATION * F. THE UNTIED STATES USE OF THE MILITARY IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS * G. CONCLUSIONS * CHAPTER IV - ISSUES THAT JEOPARDIZE NAVAL AVIATION * A. INTRODUCTION * B. NAVAL AVIATION'S BUDGETARY AND POLITICAL CHALLENGES * 1. Reductions or Elimination of the Carrier Fleet * 2. Manning and Bureaucracy Issues * 3. Adjusting Carrier Procurement Cycles * C. CHALLENGES POSED TO AIRCRAFT CARRIERS BY OTHER U.S. WEAPONS * 1. Utilize Smaller Carriers * 2. Drones * 3. Submarines and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles * D. CHALLENGES POSED BY ADVERSARIES' CAPABILITY * 1. Contested Operational Areas and Carrier Limitations * 2. Arms Sales * 3. Asymmetric Warfare * 4. Upgrades to Overcome Threats * E. MISSION USE * 1. Non-core Mission Use * 2. Core Mission Use * F. CONCLUSIONS

Costs of Expanding and Modernizing the Navy's Carrier-based Air Forces

Costs of Expanding and Modernizing the Navy's Carrier-based Air Forces PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aeronautics, Military
Languages : en
Pages : 92

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Book Description


Increasing Aircraft Carrier Forward Presence

Increasing Aircraft Carrier Forward Presence PDF Author: Roland J. Yardley
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 0833045954
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 91

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Book Description
The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet must meet the forward presence requirements of theater commanders. With a decreasing fleet size, planners must balance the timing of maintenance, training, and deployment with presence and surge demands. Evaluating multiple one- and two-deployment scenarios per cycle, RAND examines the feasibility of different cycle lengths, their effect on carrier forward presence, and their impact on shipyard workloads.

China Naval Modernization: Implications for U. S. Navy Capabilities

China Naval Modernization: Implications for U. S. Navy Capabilities PDF Author: Ronald O'Rourke
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1437928390
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 33

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Book Description
Contents: (1) Scope, Sources, and Terminology; (2) Overview of China¿s Naval Modern.; Inception; Elements of Modern. Effort; Limitations and Weaknesses; Reasons for Modern. Effort; Elements of China¿s Naval Modern.; Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles; Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles; Subs.; Aircraft Carriers; Surface Combatants; Amphibious Ships; Maritime Surveill. and Targeting Systems; Operations Away From Home Waters; Comparing U.S. and Chinese Naval Capabilities; Potential Oversight Issues for Congress; China as a Defense-Planning Priority; (3) Potential Navy-Related Program Implications; Highly Capable Ships and Aircraft; Pacific Fleet¿s Share of the Navy; Homeporting Pacific Fleet Ships in Forward Locations; Larger vs. Smaller Ships.

Navy's Aircraft Carrier Program

Navy's Aircraft Carrier Program PDF Author: United States. General Accounting Office. National Security and International Affairs Division
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aircraft carriers
Languages : en
Pages : 52

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Book Description


Leveraging America's Aircraft Carrier Capabilities. Exploring New Combat and Noncombat Roles and Missions for the U.S. Carrier Fleet

Leveraging America's Aircraft Carrier Capabilities. Exploring New Combat and Noncombat Roles and Missions for the U.S. Carrier Fleet PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
On numerous occasions over the past 50 years, U.S. military and civilian defense leaders have relied on aircraft carriers and their air assets, not only as key forward-based elements of the nation's deterrent and warfighting force but also when the United States has needed to project military power, engage in hostile operations, provide humanitarian relief, or fulfill a range of other hostile and nonhostile missions. Because they offer unparalleled mobility, provide sustained military presence, can send signals of U.S. concern and possible action, and free the United States from having to conduct flight operations from foreign bases or obtain permission from foreign powers to fly over territory, aircraft carriers likely will continue to be an asset of choice for years to come. Indeed, it is entirely possible that, as the United States seeks ways to stretch its defense dollars, pursue the Global War on Terrorism, and meet other national-security challenges, policymakers will increase their reliance on aircraft carriers, using them more often and in more situations, than they have in the past, especially if the vessels have the additional capabilities to respond appropriately. The current and expected use of aircraft carriers led the U.S. Navy in fall 2004 to commission the RAND Corporation to explore new and nontraditional ways that the U.S. might be able to employ aircraft carriers in pursuit of traditional and emerging military and homeland defense missions. Over six months, RAND created and convened two Concept Options Groups (COGs)-small groups of experienced military and civilian experts, defense analysts, and potential users who work together to identify promising ways to employ military might in nontraditional ways-to explore possible nontraditional roles for aircraft carriers. One COG explored and identified new ways that aircraft carriers could be used in combat operations the second COG examined ways that the vessels could be used in noncombat missions.

Midway-Class Aircraft Carriers 1945–92

Midway-Class Aircraft Carriers 1945–92 PDF Author: Mark Stille
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472860462
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 49

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Book Description
The Midway-class were the US Navy's biggest carriers built during World War II. Superbly illustrated, this explains how they became the backbone of the Cold War fleet. Entering service in September 1945, the Midway-class aircraft carrier was the US Navy's ultimate World War II-era design, and these would be its frontline carriers as the Cold War dawned. A fine design and one big enough to accept significant modernizations over the decades, the class saw combat in the Vietnam War, and Midway even launched the first carrier airstrikes of the Gulf War in 1990. In this book, naval expert Mark Stille explains how the Midway class was the US Navy's attempt to build a much larger and more survivable version of the wartime Essex class; its extensive new protection system included the first armoured flight deck in the US Navy. He highlights how new weapons systems transformed the Midways during the jet age, from angled flight decks and catapults to CIWS, until Midway found her last home as a museum ship in San Diego, the only non-Essex-class American carrier to be preserved. Illustrated with archive photos and superb original art, including profiles detailing how the ships were rebuilt throughout their careers, this book explores the heart of the US Navy's carrier fleet during the early Cold War.

Costs of Expanding and Modernizing the Navy's Carrier-Based Air Forces

Costs of Expanding and Modernizing the Navy's Carrier-Based Air Forces PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 90

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Book Description
To counter the growing threat of the Soviet navy, the Administration has announced its intention to reverse the long-term decline in the size of the U.S. Navy and otherwise improve Navy capabilities. It proposes to expand the U.S. fleet from the current 535 ships to roughly 600 and to increase the number of carrier-based air wings from 12 to 14. In addition to expanding, the Navy plans to modernize the existing carrier air forces, replacing 360 aircraft with more recent types, notably the F/A-18. This paper estimates the cost of the Navy's plan to expand and modernize its carrier air forces and examines alternatives to parts of that plan, while a companion Congressional Budget Office paper analyzes the shipbuilding issue.