Q&A · 2:03:33-2:03:59

Why numbers of Hermes-sized carriers would not suit British doctrine

British doctrine required around 54 aircraft per carrier, making the larger conversions necessary despite the attraction of more small flight decks.

Fleet Carriers Naval Aviation Naval Doctrine Naval Procurement Royal Navy

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Question

Would the Royal Navy be better off favoring many Hermes-sized carriers over large conversions?

Short answer

No. British doctrine required carriers able to operate around 54 aircraft, so the larger conversions were necessary.

Notes

British carrier doctrine required ships able to operate around 54 aircraft. Hermes-sized ships lacked that capacity. Building more small carriers would therefore leave the Royal Navy without the air-group size supplied by the larger conversions.