Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:08:07-2:08:25

Audacious-class construction depended on large yards and facilities

The carriers required large construction facilities, and even suitable cruiser yards faced limits in the equipment available to complete them.

Aircraft CarriersAudacious Class Aircraft CarriersNaval InfrastructureRoyal NavyShipyards
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Did the Audacious-class carriers require the largest docks, or could other yards build them?

Short answer

They needed large yards; some cruiser yards might build the hulls, but limited facilities narrowed the practical choices.

Notes

The Audacious class needed large shipyards. Some cruiser yards could theoretically have built the ships, but the facilities available at those yards limited the practical options. A yard's ability to accommodate the hull did not by itself establish that it could carry out the complete construction programme.