So this is a hypothetical carrier design that fills a specific gap in the naval aviation market (export-friendly light STOBAR carrier) that balances the low cost and complexity of a STOVL carrier with the operational advantages of conventional fixed-wing aircraft. This concept aims to offer nations a potent sea-based air power capability without the immense cost of full-sized carriers or the maintenance burden/operational limits of STOVL fighters. It sits comfortably between STOVL carriers (HTMS Chakri Naruebet. giuseppe garibaldi, Invincible...etc) and larger, more complex STOBAR/CATOBAR ships (Kuznetsov/Vikrant/Charles de Gaulle).

By avoiding catapults (high complexity/cost) and opting for conventional fixed-wing aircraft (better fuel & payload capacity and speed than STOVL jets and cheaper to maintain), this design offers a good price–performance ratio.



* Displacement: Sub 30,000 Tons.
* Flight Deck Length: does not exceed 240 meters.
* Flight Deck Beam: does not exceed 40 meters.





**Here is how the layout works for a streamlined operational flow that minimizes clutter and maximizes available runway space within a small hull:**

Because of its compact dimensions, features like an angled deck would significantly reduce available parking space and interfere with the takeoff zone. Since simultaneous launch and recovery are impossible, the single port-side runway is a necessary compromise.



\- Longitudinal Split: The flight deck is divided into two primary zones running the length of the ship:

* Port Side Zone: The dedicated takeoff and landing runway area. This zone need to remain completely clear during recovery operations.
* Starboard Side Zone: The dedicated parking/staging area, located adjacent to the island superstructure.

\- Arresting Cable Placement: The wires are laid across the Port Side Runway Zone (I think they need to be lengthened a bit).

\- Elevator Placement: Two deck-edge elevators facilitate a continuous cycle: one forward (for incoming aircraft to go below deck) and one aft (for serviced aircraft to return to the parking area).

\- A helipad is positioned at the bow next to the ski-jump.

\- Compact island (Príncipe de Asturias' island size-wise) located at the front.







**Simplified description of the launch & recovery cycle:**



* The aircraft lands and catches an arrestor wire, it stops entirely within the clear runway zone near the midship/island area (The adjacent parking area on the starboard side remains out of the way and does not interfere with the landing process) then immediately taxi to the forward elevator/parking.
* The aircraft descends to the hangar deck (via forward elevator) for servicing/refueling/re-arming. The serviced aircraft then uses the rear deck-edge elevator to return to the flight deck parking area.
* The aircraft taxies from the parking area onto the runway launch position and takes off via the ski-jump.

\- Bolters and crash landings Procedures include clearing the runway and using a safety net/barricade.







**Airwing composition:**



\- Medium helicopters for SAR ops.

\- Fixed wing UAVs for MPA, AEW, ASW, CAS...

\- Fixed wing fighters for air superiority, air defense, strike, escort, CAP.

\- Loyal Wingamn UAV for airwing Bulk, Strike role, BVRAAM magazine depth.

  


What do you think of this hypothetical light STOBAR carrier design? [1360x768]