Chapter · 28:15-34:50

Eagle's size, guns, protection, and aircraft capacity

A technical tour covers Eagle's 22,200-ton displacement, nine 6-inch guns, five 4-inch anti-aircraft guns, 25-30 aircraft capacity, and anti-torpedo bulges.

Notes

Eagle combined the dimensions and protection of a converted battleship with a relatively modest air group of about 25 to 30 aircraft. Her centerline lifts and incomplete use of hull length for hangar space limited aircraft capacity, while nine 6-inch guns reflected lingering expectations of surface action. Anti-torpedo bulges improved protection and fuel capacity but the island's weight still required substantial ballast. Trials also led to the removal of Beatty's torpedo-tube fittings before operational service.