Ford-Class: Why This Might be the U.S. Navy's Last Aircraft Carrier

[rangerrebew]

 Ford-Class: Why This Might be the U.S. Navy's Last Aircraft Carrier
Story by Harrison Kass • 2d


Summary: The Ford-class aircraft carrier is the U.S. Navy's newest, most advanced vessel, set to replace the aging Nimitz-class.
 
-While the Nimitz has served since 1975, technological advances and rising costs have slowed the introduction of new carrier classes.

-The Ford-class features significant advancements like electromagnetic catapults and advanced arrested landing systems.

-However, questions about the future viability of aircraft carriers in light of evolving anti-ship technology suggest the Ford-class might be the last of its kind if carriers become too vulnerable in contested environments.
 
Is the Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier the Last of Its Kind?
The Ford-class aircraft carrier is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most sophisticated vessel to date – and the first new class of carrier since the Nimitz class was first built in 1968. Ten Nimitz carriers are still in service but will be phased out as the Ford comes online.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/ford-class-why-this-might-be-the-u-s-navy-s-last-aircraft-carrier/ar-BB1nhqs3?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=6d030b3f92754f999c3e6a41337272ac&ei=33

[PeteS in CA]

Essex class carriers served for about 3 decades. USS Midway and subsequent CV classes as long or longer ... USS Enterprise and Nimitz class CVNs for 5 or 6 decades. Given carrier classes' longevity, speculating that a new class just entering service will be the last is not very meaningful.

[Smokin Joe]

Essex class carriers served for about 3 decades. USS Midway and subsequent CV classes as long or longer ... USS Enterprise and Nimitz class CVNs for 5 or 6 decades. Given carrier classes' longevity, speculating that a new class just entering service will be the last is not very meaningful.

All things the same, I might agree. However, since the Exocet proved the cruise missile, and with the development of and growing emphasis on antiship missiles (and drones) including hypersonic missiles, I think the playing field has changed. The question is one of what will allow a projection of power and yet be able to survive the battle space.

It isn't grandpa's naval battle any more, and at some point supercarriers will go the way of the dreadnaughts.