Common Support Aircraft The Common Support Aircraft ( CSA ) is a proposed concept , which has been considered by the United States Navy since at least the early 1990s , to replace a number of different fixed - wing aircraft capable of operating from an aircraft carrier and which serve a " support " function , with a single type of aircraft or aircraft platform able to perform all support tasks . Current roles deemed " support " by the Navy include : carrier on - board delivery ( COD ) , electronic surveillance ( ES ) , electronic warfare ( EW ) , and airborne early warning ( AEW ) . Another possible support role for a carrier - based aircraft is that of aerial refueling . Among combat roles , while anti - submarine warfare ( ASW ) and anti - surface warfare ( ASUW ) are sometimes also considered " support " ; fighter , bomber , and ground attack roles are not . Current carrier - based fixed - wing support aircraft used by the US Navy , and which would presumably be replaced by the CSA , include : Other support aircraft used by the US Navy in the recent past include : Advantages . A major rationale for the CSA is cost . Using one aircraft or aircraft platform for many or all support functions , rather than several different aircraft , would permit cost savings in a number of ways . The first would be in economies of scale in manufacturing . With a lower per - unit cost for each support aircraft and its spare parts , the expense of purchasing the support aircraft ( as well as maintaining it over the course of its lifespan ) is reduced . Another cost saving would be in reduced training expenses . Maintenance crewmen would only have to be trained for one support aircraft , rather than many . Still another would be in reduced logistical requirements . With the same spare part , such as an engine , avionics component , tire , and so on able to be used for aircraft used for multiple roles , either fewer total spare parts could be brought on board , or the same - sized pool of spare parts could be applied to any support aircraft , giving the crew more options . Furthermore , in a constrained environment such as a budget crunch or emergency battle damage control , cannibalization of some support aircraft to keep others flying and functional is a greater possibility . For these reasons , the US armed forces as a whole are moving toward vehicles and weapons platforms that are generalists rather than specialists , capable of performing a wide variety of missions , or serving as a base from which variants can be produced to fill specialized roles . Examples include the replacement of many different aircraft by the F - 35 Lightning II ; and the production of the Stryker armored vehicle , which serves as a base for a wide array of variants . It may be noted that the Navy is already some steps toward a CSA , rather than having a completely different and separate aircraft type for each support mission . The C - 2 Greyhound is a derivative of the E - 2 Hawkeye , and the two aircraft have significant parts commonality . The ES - 3 Shadow was a derivative of the S - 3 Viking . And the S - 3 Viking fills at least three different roles , not just one . The Navy seems to favor the role of EW to be filled by converted attack aircraft . The EA - 6B Prowler , based on the A - 6 Intruder , is slated to be replaced by the EA - 18G Growler , based on the F / A - 18E / F Super Hornet . ( Also note the U . S . Air Force ' s now - retired EF - 111 Raven EW aircraft , based on the F - 111 Aardvark fighter - bomber . ) Moreover , the Super Hornet is also capable of serving as an aerial refueler for other Hornets , Super Hornets , Prowlers and Growlers . While these airframes were not originally designed for the support role , their use is evidence that the US military prefers versatility and multi - capability in its vehicles , and to avoid designing a new platform for each role unless necessary . Disadvantages . Some potential arguments against the CSA would include : Conclusion and Future Prospects . The Navy is still studying the CSA idea , but has not committed to it . The impending introduction of the EA - 18G Growler may be a sign that the Navy is leaning against the CSA ; or perhaps simply that the CSA , if adopted , will not be filling the EW role .