The British calculation combines three Admiral-class conversions with Furious, Courageous, and Glorious, using 171,000 tons of a 330,000-ton allowance and leaving room for Argus, Eagle, Hermes, or other carriers. The American counterpart converts all six Lexington-class battlecruisers into Lexington, Constellation, Saratoga, Ranger, Constitution, and United States. Those six conversions would provide a powerful foundation while leaving room to build toward a ten-carrier allowance. The alternatives show how generous conversion rules could accelerate naval aviation well before the historical carrier race.
Notable Point · 38:18-43:33
Six British conversions and a six-Lexington carrier force
Higher treaty allowances open paths to six British battlecruiser conversions or all six Lexington-class hulls entering service as American carriers.