The treaty-era aviation cruiser

Helicopters remove the need for a full-length flight deck, allowing a cruiser to retain substantial gun power while supporting rotary-wing operations. The proposed ship has nine six-inch guns, a large hangar, and enough deck space for reconnaissance, anti-submarine work, and movement of personnel or small landing parties. It becomes an area-support ship for a task group rather than a substitute for a fleet carrier, because its helicopters cannot provide long-range fighter defense. If the United States builds such ships before the London Naval Treaty, negotiators may have to recognize light, heavy, and aviation-cruiser categories. Every extra treaty category creates room for Britain, Japan, and other navies to exchange tonnage or customize designs around their own priorities.