Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 39:00-40:10

Why carrier size grew faster than electrical demand

Modern carriers are much larger largely because their aircraft and aviation spaces grew, not because shipboard electrical requirements increased in direct proportion.

Aircraft CarriersElectrical PowerLexington Class Aircraft CarriersNaval AviationQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Why does HMS Queen Elizabeth produce only about twice the electrical power associated with the much older Lexington class?

Short answer

Because much of modern carrier growth accommodates larger aircraft and aviation spaces; operating power has not risen in proportion to hull and aircraft size.

Notes

The viewer's comparison of HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Lexington class asks why the newer carrier produces only about twice as much electrical power. The explanation centers on the space required by modern aircraft. Comparing a Queen Elizabeth hangar with a Royal Navy hangar in World War II shows how many more smaller aircraft could occupy similar space. Larger aircraft have helped drive carrier growth without an equivalent increase in the power needed to operate the ship.