Q&A · 1:46:33-1:46:53

Would four carriers change RAF independence?

The RAF's 1918 creation precedes the proposed conversions; the likely change is earlier Fleet Air Arm independence.

Fleet Air Arm Naval Aviation Royal Air Force

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Question

Would the four-carrier counterfactual prevent the RAF from becoming independent?

Short answer

No; the RAF already existed, but a stronger Fleet Air Arm would probably gain independence earlier.

Notes

The RAF had already been created on 1 April 1918, before the treaty-conversion scenario. Extra carriers in the 1920s would therefore affect the Fleet Air Arm's position within an existing aviation organization. A larger naval air arm is expected to gain independence earlier.