Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:01:06-4:02:22

Aquila's promise and conversion flaws

Aquila receives a favorable comparison with Graf Zeppelin despite problems with aircraft handling, catapults, maintenance stores, and fuel lines.

Aircraft CarriersAquila Aircraft CarrierCarrier AviationCivilian-to-Military Ship ConversionsItalian Navy
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Question

Would Aquila have been more effective than liner conversions such as Pretoria Castle?

Short answer

Aquila is favored over Graf Zeppelin, but substantial defects remain and the comparison with Pretoria Castle is not directly settled.

Notes

Aquila's design combines a favorable assessment among non-Japanese Axis carrier projects with serious practical defects. Its French-derived aircraft-management system is identified as one problem. The catapult system could dislodge its shoes, and the planned stores underestimated what aircraft maintenance required. Poorly arranged fuel lines also created a severe fire risk. Despite those defects, the comparison places Aquila ahead of Graf Zeppelin. The requested comparison with Pretoria Castle remains unsettled.