Headlines are always wrong. I thought it was a nice little piece about a defence project. Seemed open and explained a bit what they are.
One also has to take into account it is often compared to HMAS Melbourne (R21) which was a aircraft carrier in the RAN. Although the official definition is a Amphibious Assult Ship the JC1 has a secondary role of aircraft carrier it is why those in the news room refer to it as a aircraft carrier.
Also, one of the most defining features is that wonderful skijump, which is for launching, err, stuff. I see it as a bit of a good misconception. The public sees them as a far more capable/desirable ship, and the media compares them to the USS enterprise (in size if not in function). She of course much much larger than Melbourne, which was an aircraft carrier. I would imagine there would be much confusion if the US built an amphibious assault ship that was larger than a Nimitz.
Agree it's much needed asset for the RAN and very pleasing to the eye. but have wondered if side elevators would have worked better and leaving all that extra deck space at the stern.
For a layman side lifts appear better providing more parking space on the flight deck. But in use the flight deck crews are always shifting aircraft around to make use of a lift which is useless with aircraft parked on them. Frankly I see no difference where the lifts are located. It doesn't take five minutes to use a cleared lift anyway.
If you're patient you can take control of the camera yourself. You get about 5 mins playtime.
did'nt know that,looking now...thanks.
Which goes to show how little defence issues are to civilians, the public is more concerned with Justin Beiber being deported or denied entry into their nation. The masses want more spending for highways, hospitals, schools, and penisons before another dollar is spent for more armed forces. Defence is sadly not a major issue, the masses wouldn't be bothered if the armed forces were cut in half.
It certainly doesn't take 5 minutes to clear a lift - it usually takes FAR LONGER although it does depend on little things like sea state, weather, state of the deck (number and position of A/C, equipment on the deck) and ongoing deck activity. Don't forget crew training AND fatigue - you get NO 2ND CHANCES on an operational flight deck.
Makes more sense than the Invincible class, two lifts right in the middle.
No need to shout - it's bad manners. They are first and foremost a warship of the RAN and they have a maritime warfare role. Any HADR role is secondary. Their role comes under the term of Amphibious Operations. I suggest that you read back through this thread, where you'll find ample discussion upon the subject of the RAN LHDs and their roles. One very important role that these two ships will have for Australia is maritime projection - the ability to project Australian maritime force over a larger area for a longer period of time than it has been able to do previously.
LHDs in other navies are very busy. As well as having wartime roles, they are extremely useful for the many things armed forces do short of all out war, such as disaster relief & minor military interventions.
