Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 50:18-51:10

Carrier design depends on the navy's problem

Essex and British carrier designs offered different advantages, with Malta's greater size complicating any direct comparison.

Aircraft CarriersEssex Class Aircraft CarriersMalta Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal NavyUS Navy
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Was the Essex class the best carrier design of its time, and how would it compare with British Malta or Implacable designs?

Short answer

It was an excellent design for the US Navy, while British designs offered different advantages and Malta was substantially larger.

Notes

Essex was highly successful for the US Navy's requirements. Implacable and Essex offered different advantages and disadvantages, so a preferred design depended on the navy using it. Malta was another projected alternative, with a substantially larger displacement than either. A comparison that ignores requirements or size cannot establish a universal best carrier.