A conversion comparable to early carriers such as Hermes or Argus was contemplated, then abandoned to save money. The resulting ship might have been more useful than the later French carrier Béarn. An earlier carrier programme could have given Italy practical experience in deck operations, ship-air integration, and naval aviation before the Second World War. The point remains speculative, but it connects an interwar economy decision to later operational capability.
Notable Point · 55:26-55:55
The unrealized Francesco Caracciolo carrier conversion
Italy's decision not to convert a Francesco Caracciolo hull into a carrier is considered as a missed opportunity for earlier naval-aviation experience.