Q&A · 1:42:18-1:42:43

Finishing an H-44 hull as a jet carrier

A late-capital-ship answer makes emerging jet aviation the deciding factor when an unfinished battleship hull can still be redirected.

Question

In a long-peace 1945 building-holiday scenario, should Germany finish two H-44 hulls as battleships or carriers?

Short answer

Finish a hull as an aircraft carrier designed to operate jet aircraft instead of completing another battleship.

Notes

By 1945 the unfinished hull represents a choice between completing an older capital-ship concept and adapting to naval aviation. A carrier configured for jet aircraft would be the preferred completion. Aircraft development matters more to that choice than the size already invested in the hull.