HMS Eagle in 1969

Ananda

The Bunker Group

Found this video of HMS Eagle in 1969. Already known that due to Political decision, the Aircraft Carrier being pulled out from active duties, only few years after doing extensive modifications.

Just looking at Video, if in 1969 this carrier still on this condition, the carrier should be able to soldier on at least another decade to early 80's.
Perhaps if that time this carrier still operation, Argentina will have second thoughts about invading Falkland/Malvinas.

Note:
Just suggestion, perhaps moderators and management team can consider separate sections for historical equipment.
 

John Fedup

The Bunker Group

Found this video of HMS Eagle in 1969. Already known that due to Political decision, the Aircraft Carrier being pulled out from active duties, only few years after doing extensive modifications.

Just looking at Video, if in 1969 this carrier still on this condition, the carrier should be able to soldier on at least another decade to early 80's.
Perhaps if that time this carrier still operation, Argentina will have second thoughts about invading Falkland/Malvinas.

Note:
Just suggestion, perhaps moderators and management team can consider separate sections for historical equipment.
Not quite as bad a fate as HMCS Bonaventure. After a multi million dollar upgrade, it went directly to the scrap yard.
 

Redlands18

Well-Known Member

Found this video of HMS Eagle in 1969. Already known that due to Political decision, the Aircraft Carrier being pulled out from active duties, only few years after doing extensive modifications.

Just looking at Video, if in 1969 this carrier still on this condition, the carrier should be able to soldier on at least another decade to early 80's.
Perhaps if that time this carrier still operation, Argentina will have second thoughts about invading Falkland/Malvinas.

Note:
Just suggestion, perhaps moderators and management team can consider separate sections for historical equipment.
Yes one of the great what ifs, what if Eagle and or Ark Royal had still been around in 1982, or better yet there intended replacement, the 2 CVA-01 Carriers.
 

Tasman

Ship Watcher
Verified Defense Pro
Because of her major refit she was actually in much better material condition than the newer Ark Royal. Parts were cannibalized from her to keep Ark operational but it probably would have been more economical in the long run to have refitted Eagle for operational deployment of the Phantom and decommission Ark Royal. Sad that both weren't retained. Those who watched the "Sailor" series on BBC (available on You Tube) would know the problems experienced keeping Ark Royal going on her final deployment.

Tas
 

spoz

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
By all accounts, Eagle was in better nick than Ark at the time, and was only withdrawn first because of the cost of converting her to fully operate F4s.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Yes one of the great what ifs, what if Eagle and or Ark Royal had still been around in 1982, or better yet there intended replacement, the 2 CVA-01 Carriers.
If both the Eagle and the Ark had still been in service in 1982 I do think that the Falklands would've been a different war. For a start, they would've had Fairey Gannett AEW cover over the fleet, with F-4 Phantoms providing fighter cover. The Blackburn Buccaneers and Phantoms would've taken care of Argentinian targets on the islands as required and on the mainland if required. I don't think that the RN would've lost the Sheffield, nor any of the other ships that were lost to enemy action, because the Argentinians would faced total British air superiority over the islands.

The CVA-01 are pure fantasy because they never got beyond the drawing board.
 

Ananda

The Bunker Group
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8
One thing (as non British observer) that come to my mind. RN by 60's have two 'recently' modified CV, Victorius and Eagle. However with Victorius limited size, seems Eagle that being prepared to soldier on until late 70's or early 80's.

Considering RN budget at that period, if they want to keep Eagle operation, then they have to scrap Hermes and Ark Royal in 70's.
Question is, will the next carrier will be Invincible or another Catobar ?
In other words if RN somehow manage to keep Eagle to the early or mid 80's..will RN goes SVTOL or keep Catobar ?

My opinion's that even Eagle still manage operation at the time of Falkland war, the RN still on transition to SVTOL. Thus perhaps the Falkland task force will consist Eagle with Phantom and Buccaneer and Invincible with Sea Harrier. Well RN would still manage Catobar until 80's since Eagle was in better condition than Ark Royal due to having modifications already.

CVA01 cancellation basically put a lid on RN Catobar future.
 

Ananda

The Bunker Group
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #9

Found another Video on HMS Eagle. First part showns usual Eagle complement Air Wings, Sea Vixen, Buckeneer, and Phantoms. However later on shown trials of Harriers in Eagle.

Again, shown how much this ship will be deterrences for UK to make Argentina even thinking conducting invasion to Falkland.
 
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