How serious a problem would three Admiral-class hulls converted into 80-90-aircraft carriers have posed for Germany and Italy?
Short answerA very serious one: the Royal Navy would gain three large early strike carriers capable of attacks such as Wilhelmshaven and Taranto while also reshaping British naval-aircraft design.
NotesThree Admiral-class hulls converted into carriers with capacity for eighty to ninety aircraft each would give the Royal Navy a substantial early carrier force. At least one could be available for a strike on Wilhelmshaven at the outbreak of war, and one would probably participate at Taranto. The proposed Eagle-like arrangement also raises the importance of hangar space. Eagle's large hangar is credited with room for larger American aircraft with very little adaptation. Giving several British carriers similar space could encourage larger naval aircraft and alter their wing-folding arrangements, with upward folding becoming more practical than folding back.