Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:26:55-3:27:54

What upgraded Australian yards should build

Australia's distances reward ocean-going cruisers, carriers, and general-purpose escort sloops rather than swarms of short-range craft.

Aircraft CarriersCruisersLive Q&ANaval LogisticsRoyal Australian NavyShipbuildingSloops
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Which ship types should upgraded Australian yards optimize for in the 1930s?

Short answer

Cruisers, carriers and sloops, with maintenance capacity; Australia's distances are the objection to a small-boat focus.

Notes

For Australian yards modernized in the 1930s, the direct choices are cruisers, carriers and sloops, including their maintenance. A proposal for very large numbers of motor torpedo boats is rejected on geographical grounds. Long distances between Australia's main bases make range a requirement that small craft cannot avoid. Alex extends that range concern to submarine procurement in Australia and Canada, without developing a complete historical yard plan or a modern submarine comparison.