military@cbnews.ATT.COM (William B. Thacker) (01/26/89)
From: Ron Miller <hp-lsd!hplabs!hpfcla!hpfcmr!ron>
Are Carriers Obsolete?
>From a former bubble-head's perspective: Carriers are big and noisy. That
makes them good targets.
They also go fast and have annoying aircraft (such as the S-3 ASW
aircraft and the Sea King helo -forgot the designation-) to help keep
your head down. They are jealously protected by other forces as well
as their own. This makes them difficult targes (mobility, hostility)
Just because a sub can get close to the carrier, doesn't necessarily
imply that the sub can put the carrier OOC. (Give 'em a heart attack, yes!
Sink 'em , maybe. It might take an awful lot of weaponry to finish her.)
The whole issue is very complex and revolves around the size & mix of the
opposing force, the rules of engagement, the intelligence picture for
both sides, the specific operations being attempted and so forth.
My opinion: For all-out, USSR vs. USA, lightning fast war, the carrier
will be hurting. But an awful lot of the hostility going on where carriers
can be useful is at a level well below the point that makes carriers useless.
BTW, a nuclear powered task force that keeps their speed up can be
a real bitch to track and (simulate) sinking. :-)
Ron Miller