Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 24:08-25:35

Which aircraft carriers were equipped for a surface gunfight?

Lexington and Saratoga brought eight-inch guns, while armoured British carriers and HMS Unicorn offer different combinations of protection and willingness to engage shore targets.

Aircraft CarriersArmoured CarriersHMS UnicornKorean WarLexington Class BattlecruisersNaval Gunnery
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Question

Which Second World War aircraft carriers would be most interesting in a surface gunfight?

Short answer

The early Lexingtons had the heaviest cruiser-style guns, but an armoured British carrier or HMS Unicorn would be difficult and historically revealing opponents.

Notes

Lexington and Saratoga are the first candidates while they retained their eight-inch batteries. British armoured carriers bring greater protection to the contest. HMS Unicorn provides the clearest operational example because she used her four-inch guns for shore bombardment during the Korean War. The comparison turns on both cruiser-style armament and the ability to survive a close action.