From:	Paul J. Adam Paul@********.demon.co.uk
Subject:	the value of education
Date:	Wed, 14 Jul 1999 19:18:28 +0100

In article <39615ab.24bdc472@***.com>, JonSzeto@***.com writes

<interesting stuff snipped>

>(2) SSVN: Aircraft-carrying submarines, particularly unmanned combat
>drones (called UCAVs in RL military lingo). This is a concept I had
>tossed around with K and AirWasp. An interesting idea, though I'll admit
>it shows limited tactical or strategic potential.

There was a 1960s design study for a submersible aircraft carrier. On
40,000 tons (twice the size of an Ohio-class SSBN) it could carry six
aircraft at most, while a conventional surface carrier of similar size could
carry thirty to forty aircraft.

Submarines don't do aviation very well: aircraft are bulky and subs are
volume-critical, plus conducting flight operations traps you on the surface.



I really ought to put together that submission for an Armed Forces Of The
World sourcebook :) Interesting that Jon's views on the UCAS navy were so
close to mine...
--
Paul J. Adam