Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:54:01-2:54:54

A modern carrier rearmed with 1942 aircraft

A modern carrier stranded with an unusable 1979 air wing would take available wartime aircraft, with its long deck inviting a B-25 raid proposal.

Aircraft CarriersAlternate HistoryB-25 MitchellCarrier Air WingsDoolittle RaidUSS Nimitz (CVN-68)
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Question

What 1942 air wing would be placed aboard CVN-68 if its modern aircraft were unavailable?

Short answer

It would take whatever usable wartime aircraft could be supplied. B-25s with folding wings are suggested for a Doolittle-style raid from the long deck.

Notes

In this Final Countdown scenario, CVN-68 loses the use of its 1979 aircraft through maintenance problems near the end of 1941. The replacement air group would consist of whatever contemporary aircraft could be obtained and supported aboard. The long flight deck offers a longer takeoff run than existing American carriers. B-25s with folding wings are one suggestion, making the ship a candidate for a Doolittle-style raid even after its modern air wing becomes unusable.