Q&A · 4:39:52-4:40:22

British design help for Japan's Ryūjō concept

British assistance would frame Ryūjō around a mission choice between an economical cruiser carrier and a larger fleet carrier.

Question

What would result if Japan sought British help with a Ryūjō-type commerce-protection carrier?

Short answer

The design would probably resemble Hermes, with the central decision being whether to accept a sub-10,000-ton cruiser carrier or pursue a more demanding fleet carrier.

Notes

The counterfactual points toward a version of Hermes if Britain and Japan cooperate on the Ryūjō concept. The decisive choice is the intended role. A cruiser carrier for commerce protection is considered viable below 10,000 tons. Trying to make the same small ship a fleet carrier creates the difficulty.