Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 28:04-28:22

What could have made Hood a carrier

Converting Hood into an aircraft carrier would require an early and overwhelming demonstration of carrier striking power, such as a successful attack at Jutland.

Alternate HistoryBattle Of JutlandCarrier ConversionsHMS HoodNaval Aviation
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Question

What would it have taken for Hood to be rebuilt as an aircraft carrier?

Short answer

A devastating carrier strike in 1916, especially at Jutland, would be needed to make such a radical conversion credible.

Notes

The proposal requires far more than an ordinary refit because converting Hood would mean cutting the battlecruiser apart for a new aviation role. Such a decision would need a dramatic early demonstration of carrier striking power. A hypothetical devastating 1916 Cuckoo strike against the German fleet, effectively adding a carrier attack to Jutland, could provide that shock. Without it, the case for sacrificing Hood as a capital ship would be far weaker.