Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:04:42-1:05:15

HMS Unicorn as forward aviation support

A carrier question introduces HMS Unicorn as a forward aviation-support ship rather than an ordinary fleet carrier.

Aircraft CarriersAircraft MaintenanceAviation LogisticsAviation Support ShipsFleet LogisticsHMS UnicornNaval Aviation
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Question

Did ships with a carrier-like concept exist before later support-carrier ideas?

Short answer

HMS Unicorn was a forward aviation-support ship, and other vessels had similar support-oriented purposes rather than being standard fleet carriers.

Notes

HMS Unicorn was built as a forward aviation-support ship. Its role differed from that of a conventional fleet carrier. A carrier-like hull could support naval aviation without serving as a standard frontline carrier. Other vessels served similar purposes, though none is identified.