Q&A · 4:19:30-4:25:06

Would converting the G3 hulls have made better carriers?

Hypothetical G3 conversions are preferred to the Courageous-group conversions, while a purpose-built 27,000-ton carrier remains a separate competing option.

Question

What if the Royal Navy had built the G3 battlecruiser hulls and converted them into aircraft carriers?

Short answer

They would have produced very large, useful carriers. The preference here is to convert four G3s instead of Courageous, Glorious, and Furious.

Notes

If the Royal Navy had built the G3 battlecruiser hulls and converted them, it would have obtained very large and useful carriers. A later viewer contribution raises the competing case for a purpose-built carrier of about 27,000 tons, incorporating lessons from operating existing ships. The preference expressed here concerns a different comparison: converting four G3s instead of Courageous, Glorious, and Furious. On that basis, the larger conversions are judged the better opportunity for the Royal Navy. The value of a G3 conversion therefore depends on which alternative carrier program it replaces.