Operations
Normally there will be only one fully operational or
"high-readiness" CVF, probably honoured with the designation
"Fleet Flagship", with an air group available. The
second carrier will be in refit, working-up, engaged in trials or
training duties, or otherwise non-operational.
The MoD wants at least a six-year interval between CVF
dockings, and a maximum upkeep period of no more than six months.
The CVF Alliance is required to guarantee the continuous
availability of at least one ship, and a total availability including
both ships of 584 ship days a year (actual 'sea days' may be
considerably less). This is demanding new and
innovative approaches to warship maintenance and support, and also the
adoption of the TOPMAST manning structure for crewing. As an
interesting comparison, over the five years 1999-2003, the three
Invincible class carriers managed an average total of 208 sea days per
annum.
|
A V22 AEW&C Osprey in company with a
strike force of Boeing JSF's |
Traditionally the life of major warships is punctuated
by infrequent (perhaps every 5 years) but major refits, which last 18-24
months. But this approach would sometimes mean a whole year or
more with just one CVF available, and obviously the 584 ship/day
requirement could not then be met. Also, with just two ships there
is a risk of the situation developing where one carrier is deep in a
major refit while the other becomes non-operational for some reason
(e.g. a major fire, collision or mechanical failure), causing a
prolonged capability gap with no CVF available. To meet the MOD's
requirements, the new carriers will have more frequent but shorter
refits lasting not more than 6 months, thus even in a worst case it
should be possible to make a CVF in refit available again within 3
months.
Service Life
The designed service life for the CVF's was originally
to be 30 years (the same as the Invincible Class), but the IPT has
established a
stretch target of 50 years.
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