Q&A · 1:38:44-1:41:39

How four Admirals could operate with carriers

A larger Admiral class could hunt in pairs or provide fast heavy-gun support to carrier task forces.

Question

How would four completed Admiral-class battlecruisers have been employed?

Short answer

They could operate in hunting pairs or as fast leaders and heavy escorts for carrier task forces, with major consequences for carrier speed requirements.

Notes

Four Admiral-class ships would alter treaty tonnage and probably force retirement of older 13.5-inch ships. Operationally they could work as hunting pairs or lead carrier groups, but carrier doctrine would then demand unusually fast flight decks able to turn into wind, launch aircraft, and regain station with a 32-knot capital ship.