Aircraft Carriers: More Cost Than Capability

Abstract

With budget cuts looming for the United States military it is time to rethink what military requirements the United States requires. One of the most expensive systems within the United States military is the aircraft carrier and its associated air wing. As an expensive weapon system it is an easy target for cost reduction. The questions that must be answered in cutting a program like the aircraft carrier are: what roles does it fill, what capabilities does it possess, what capabilities are required, and what can fulfill the capabilities required if the program is eliminated. In addition to the capabilities resident in an aircraft carrier it is also important to look at the threats present to the aircraft carrier. As a symbol of United States power and a highly expensive weapons system, the aircraft carrier and its air wing are prime targets, both in military and political terms. In looking towards the future the strategic goals of the United States and the capabilities that threaten United States power, the age of the aircraft carrier should be brought to a close.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 25, 2012
Accession Number
ADA600425

Entities

People

  • Adam R. Mcleod

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Carriers
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Carrier Based Aircraft
  • Control Systems
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Marine Transportation
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Naval Aviation
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • United States
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Business

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Economics