Q&A · 42:03-42:35

Furious as the most capable experimental carrier

A carrier question identifies HMS Furious as the strongest experimental carrier and sketches Langley's likely wartime role if retained as a full carrier.

Question

Which experimental carrier was most combat capable, and what would Langley's air group be if she remained a full carrier in World War II?

Short answer

Furious is the standout experimental carrier; Langley would likely carry a modest wartime air group rather than match purpose-built fleet carriers.

Notes

Furious was the most combat-capable of the early experimental carrier conversions. Langley is treated more cautiously: if still available as a full carrier in the Second World War, she would likely carry a limited air group rather than compete with later fleet carriers.