In theory, each of the the carriers can accommodate a maximum of 130 F/A-18 Hornet sized aircraft (Navy Aircraft Carriers: Cost Effectiveness of Conventionally and Nuclear-powered Carriers). History (early Midway Class air wings), cost, and current force structure limits today's airing size. The Super Hornet is 25% larger but the F-35 is similar in size and so is the MQ-25 Stingray. The first F-35 deployment is leading to suggestions of a 20 airframe "super-squadron." Those points made, is this a realistic air wing:
3 x 12 F/A-18 E/F Supper Hornets Squadrons
1 x 20 F-35C Squadron (increase from current 12)
1 x 12 E/A-18 Growler Squadron (increase from current 8)
1 x 10 MQ-25 Tanker Squadron (increase from planned 6)
1 x 8 E-2D (increase from 5 to 6)
1 x 4 CMV-22 detachment
2 x 10 SH/MH-60 helo Squadrons (ASW, Sea Control, Vert-rep, etc.)
Total 90 Fixed wing plus helicopters. Near typical 1980's air wing size. The only thing missing is the S-3 Viking for ASW and Sea Control missions, which would replace one rotary wing squadron if a similar platform existed in the inventory today. Is this realistic and achievable? This air wing will have greater range and capability to bridge the time until the F/A-XX begins to replace the Super Hornet with a new platform having greater speed, endurance, and payload.
3 x 12 F/A-18 E/F Supper Hornets Squadrons
1 x 20 F-35C Squadron (increase from current 12)
1 x 12 E/A-18 Growler Squadron (increase from current 8)
1 x 10 MQ-25 Tanker Squadron (increase from planned 6)
1 x 8 E-2D (increase from 5 to 6)
1 x 4 CMV-22 detachment
2 x 10 SH/MH-60 helo Squadrons (ASW, Sea Control, Vert-rep, etc.)
Total 90 Fixed wing plus helicopters. Near typical 1980's air wing size. The only thing missing is the S-3 Viking for ASW and Sea Control missions, which would replace one rotary wing squadron if a similar platform existed in the inventory today. Is this realistic and achievable? This air wing will have greater range and capability to bridge the time until the F/A-XX begins to replace the Super Hornet with a new platform having greater speed, endurance, and payload.
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