Why Did the Royal Navy Abandon CATOBAR Carriers Like the Centaur Class?

The Royal Navy did not just abandon CATOBAR (CATalyst Ejector Carrier Based Aircraft Recovery) carriers like the Centaur class lightly. There were multiple factors at play, including politics, costs, and a shift in military priorities.

One significant reason was cost. To have an effective CATOBAR carrier, it would have needed to be considerably larger than the Ark Royal IV. The Royal Navy simply lacked the funds to build and equip such a vessel. Additionally, upgrading the shipbuilding infrastructure, which was already strained by the growing size of 1950s and 1960s fleet carriers, would have added to the financial burden.

Furthermore, with the UK reducing its presence in former colonial regions and focusing on NATO and the North Atlantic, the Royal Navy's mission shifted towards anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in the Atlantic. This new direction made large, expensive fleet carriers less suitable for the emerging naval operations. The result was the development of the much smaller Invincible class through deck cruisers.

Another factor was the EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) development in the early 2010s. Shifting from steam-operated launch systems (STOVL) to CATOBAR systems is more expensive than one might expect. Coupled with the risks and high development costs, this made maintaining a fleet of only two large-deck carriers with CATOBAR systems less economically viable.

Paul Adam has written several excellent articles on this topic, which I highly recommend. He addresses the complexities and financial challenges in detail, providing valuable insights into the decision-making process. A notable article from Navy Lookout also discusses the possibility of a future CATOBAR configuration for the Invincible class carriers, scheduled for a 2023 upgrade. This article is worth a read as well, especially for those interested in the technical and strategic aspects.

In conclusion, the Royal Navy's decision to abandon CATOBAR carriers was a result of a multifaceted strategy, balancing financial constraints, military priorities, and technological developments. While precision-guided weapons have made STOVL carriers more effective in many scenarios, the historical decisions regarding CATOBAR carriers remain a significant part of naval history.