Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:28:50-1:29:40

The strongest prewar carrier designs for World War II

The Yorktown and Illustrious classes emerge as leading prewar designs because their ships delivered sustained wartime service.

Aircraft CarriersIllustrious Class Aircraft CarriersWorld War IIYorktown Class Aircraft Carriers
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Which prewar ship class proved best designed for World War II?

Short answer

Either the Yorktown class, especially through Enterprise, or the Illustrious class through its collective wartime service.

Notes

Aircraft carriers, rather than a surface combatant, emerge as the prewar designs best matched to the coming conflict. USS Enterprise represents the Yorktown-class case. The Illustrious class provides the British contender. Their service records make both classes stronger choices than a battleship or cruiser selected only for technical elegance.