Nothing is static in the military world, designs are always improving, equipment is always improving, capabilities are always improving. Wonderweapons are unvailed, and methods to counter them are quick to follow. So my question is simple,
What do you think the next big innovation in naval aviation is going to be?
Perhaps it will be revolution in propulsion or ship design, allowing for smaller crew sizes, increased range or a more stable deck. Imagine Azipods on CVs,(They're on the latest 100Kplus cruise ships, why not on CVs?)
Perhaps a revolution in electronics, allowing for safer if not nearly autonomous landings.
Perhaps the introduction of cheap and reliable UCAV style technology, Allowing for safer air operations, and smaller CVs, whose entire combat airwing is unmanned. Each individual combat aircraft will have a smaller payload, but with precision munitions, is there really a need for planes capable of carrying dozens of bombs or A2A missiles when a couple of SDBs, or a pair of Sidewinders or AMRAAMS and an internal cannon can usually get the job done?
Perhaps it will be something that I can't even think of at the moment, either way, what do you think will be the next big thing?
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