Judging 1920s carriers by the absence of later jet-age features hides the pace of development. In less than a decade, navies moved from experimental conversions toward very large, fast ships with more efficient flight operations and powerful air groups. Propulsion, exhaust routing, hangars, flight decks, and mission requirements produced several competing designs because no single solution had yet prevailed. The result was a concentrated period of naval experimentation in its own right.
Notable Point · 26:03-26:56
A decade turns experiments into capable carriers
In less than ten years, experimental conversions gave way to larger, faster carriers with more efficient flight operations and stronger air groups.