The hangar-equipped grain-carrier MAC ships

The first six grain-carrier MAC ships combined a hangar and lift with a modest defensive battery and a speed of about 12 knots. Those enclosed facilities let crews move aircraft below deck for maintenance and protection rather than perform every task in Atlantic weather. In that limited sense, the group approached an escort carrier's ability to sustain aviation operations despite retaining its merchant cargo role. Later tanker conversions omitted the hangar and lift to enter service faster, accepting heavier wear on aircraft and personnel as the price of simpler construction.