We could get together with the French. They’re looking for a new carrier in that size range as well. Assuming we build 10 and the French build 2 they could provide 10-15% of the development costs. It would also allow multiple ships to be constructed simultaneously. As of now only one US shipyard can build the supercarriers. A smaller class of carrier could be constructed at multiple locations in both the United States and France.
I would prefer to partner with the British on such a project but while I can see the US adopting a smaller carrier I do not believe for a second that the Navy would accept conventional power. The French are a better partner in that sense because they view nuclear power as necessary for any French carrier.
