Béarn's battleship conversion produced a carrier that demonstrated the concept without matching better fleet designs. A speed of roughly 20 knots limited her ability to operate with fast formations. Restricted aircraft capacity further reduced her combat value. Her eventual use as an aircraft transport, followed by a service life lasting until 1967, captures the difference between longevity and frontline usefulness.
Notable Point · 35:43-36:14
Why Béarn became an aircraft transport
Béarn's roughly 20-knot speed and limited aircraft capacity made her more useful as a transport than as a frontline fleet carrier.