Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:18:48-1:20:22

Extending Malta-class carrier range

A carrier-design answer links endurance to hull proportions, propulsion efficiency, fuel volume, and the question of whether extra range is operationally necessary.

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Question

How could a Malta-class carrier gain enough range for longer Pacific operations?

Short answer

Add fuel capacity, potentially through a modest hull extension and a longer, relatively narrower form that improves efficiency and creates more internal volume.

Notes

The mission has to justify the extra range because endurance should follow operational need. If the requirement stands, the carrier needs more fuel and a modestly longer hull. A longer and relatively narrower form could improve efficiency while creating usable internal volume. Range is therefore designed into displacement and hull form rather than added as a free specification.