Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:11:58-1:12:50

Could a different air group make Clemenceau a Midway rival?

A carrier-aviation question asks whether a stronger French aircraft mix could make the Clemenceau class comparable with the larger Midways.

Carrier Air GroupsClemenceau Class Aircraft CarriersFrench NavyLive Q&AMidway Class Aircraft CarriersNaval AviationVought F-8 Crusader
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Question

Could a Clemenceau-class carrier with a stronger French air group have been as effective as a Midway?

Short answer

No, not fully; a better air group would help, but the larger Midway remained more capable and France's Crusader purchase suggests limits in the domestic fighter option.

Notes

A stronger air group could improve Clemenceau's combat value, but it would not make the ship equal to the larger Midway class. France's decision to buy the F-8 Crusader rather than the domestic alternative is treated as evidence that the French fighter had important shortcomings. This is a judgment from procurement behavior rather than a detailed comparison of the two aircraft. The broader carrier comparison must consider the aircraft actually selected as well as the flight deck and hull.