Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:31:06-1:32:07

A G3-sized carrier could handle twin-engine aircraft

A large British conversion could operate Mosquito-sized aircraft, but inter-service politics would be as important as deck dimensions.

Air MinistryCarrier ConversionsDe Havilland MosquitoEric Winkle BrownFleet Air ArmG3 Class BattlecruisersTwin Engine Aircraft
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Question

Could a G3 carrier conversion operate Mosquito-sized aircraft by the 1940s?

Short answer

Physically yes, though Admiral-class conversions may be likelier and Air Ministry resistance to naval twin-engine aircraft would be a major obstacle.

Notes

A G3 conversion would be closer to Lexington than Essex in scale and could plausibly operate Mosquito-sized aircraft by the 1940s. Admiral-class conversions are considered likelier candidates. Adoption would also require the Royal Navy and Air Ministry to agree on twin-engine naval aircraft. The Air Ministry resisted that development because it appeared to bring naval aviation into competition with its bomber force. Eric Brown's later operation of a Mosquito from a carrier supports the physical possibility, while an earlier introduction would still have needed development time and Air Ministry support.