HMS Ark Royal refit back to Strike Carrier

[CougarKing]

From what I read, originally the RN intended its last two Invincible class carriers for different roles, with HMS Illustrious carrying the Harriers of the Naval Strike Wing (the RN contribution to Joint Force Harrier) and with HMS Ark Royal as the other carrier that would specialize more in amphibious assault support. (Isn't HMS Ocean enough to satisfy that role?) However, the article below shows that Ark Royal has gone back into refit to allow her to go back into the conventional strike carrier role.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/aircraft-carriers/hms-ark-royal/news/ark-royal-enters-contractors-support-period-(csp)

http://tinyurl.com/dkpj7d

  Ark Royal Enters Contractor's Support Period (CSP)Purpose

• To convert ARKR back to the Carrier Strike role, including re-coating the flight deck.
• To ensure ARKR is as operationally capable as possible.
• To ensure the Ship is in its optimum material state.

What The Period Entails

The start date for the project is 6 Feb 09.  CSP is made up of 2 parts, a Fleet Time Support Period (FTSP) and the CSP itself and is expected to last approximately 6 months.

The FTSP is programmed to run for the first 5 weeks of the period and then the CSP proper will begin.  The majority of the work to be undertaken has already been agreed between ARKR, Fleet and Defence Engineering and Support (DE&S).  HMS Ark Royal is now in Dry Dock in order to examine the hull.

ACCOMMODATION

The Ship’s Company will remain onboard throughout the CSP, including during any dry dock periods.  The reason being to offer guidance and assistance to the contractors and act as on-site Quality Assurance of the work carried out. 

HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

In order to keep up to date with skills, a number of team – especially from the AIR Department – have been ‘loaned’ to HMS Illustrious.
       

 

[Colin Parkinson]

Are they planning to use the naval version of the F-35 on her? Or will it be harriers with a different mission than the others?

 

[STONEY]

One would think that by the time the F-35 becomes operational the RN'S new carriers will be in service and the ARK will be but a memory. The ARK is strickly a Harrier carrier.


Cheers