Q&A · 2:19:43-2:19:55

Carrier construction was already underway before Washington

Hermes, Hosho, Eagle, Furious, and Langley show that carrier development did not begin with treaty conversions.

Aircraft Carriers HMS Eagle HMS Furious HMS Hermes Hosho Live Q&A Naval Aviation USS Langley Washington Naval Treaty

Watch at this time Full video guide

Question

Would aircraft carriers still be constructed without the treaty system?

Short answer

Yes. Carrier programs including Hermes, Hosho, Eagle, Furious, and Langley were already underway.

Notes

Carrier development already had several practical examples before the treaty system began. Hermes, Hosho, Eagle, Furious, and Langley are cited as ships whose work was already underway. Removing the treaty therefore changes subsequent design choices without removing the existing carrier programs.