The analyses of these forward, offensive operations using current capabilities revealed some deficiencies in the Pacific Fleet that were surprising to many. Among other things, they showed that there were too few F-14 aircraft. This resulted in Hayward’s order to move up, by one year, plans to convert the carrier Ranger for handling F-14s. The importance of the Phoenix missile, as shown in the analyses, led to increasing the carrier loading capacity from 72 to more than 100 missiles. Further analyses showed that the E-2 aircraft did not offer enough of a warning, even at a range of 250 miles detection, for the carrier to launch aircraft effectively and to intercept bomber raids. This led eventually to an agreement between the Navy and the Air Force for using E-3 AWACS to obtain greater standoff detection ranges for carrier battle groups.
Это к тому, что в использовании А-50 в интересах палубной авиации ничего зазорного нет)