When the Navy had sea harriers, the sea harriers protected the carrier and the carrier provided Aircraft cover for the fleet. The fleet also protected the carrier and therefor the Harriers. What was the point in that I wonder?

At least whent the Navy got RAF Harrier II GR7/9 and T10/11, they could protect the fleet and also drop bombs and 'Guided' munitions. All a Sea Harrier could do was launch SRAAMs.

There have been rumours in the RAF for years that they may 'Navyfy' the BAe Typhoon for carrier ops, it could certainly take off from the new carriers, even with a very substancial payload, but it would be down to costs again. One Typhoon can do the job of a Harrier, Tornado F3 and Tornado GR4, it really is quite cost effective despite the way the press put a spin on it. This airframe can carry 6 Bombs, 4 (6 depending on role) AMRAAM, 2 (4 depending on role) ASRAAM and self designate. It also has a greater range and endurance of any other A/C in Britishicon service.

Now lets all pray to the Typhoon and keep me in a job!