Q&A · 9:34:23-9:42:27

A wartime Royal Navy suddenly equipped with Implacable-class carriers

An Implacable-based fleet would need more Swordfish, Skuas, and imported fighters before it could exploit its extra strength in the Mediterranean and Far East.

Question

How would World War II change if every Royal Navy carrier became an Implacable and each Dominion received an Implacable and a KGV?

Short answer

The scenario gives Britain more carrier capacity and better protection, while making aircraft supply and aircraft-to-hangar compatibility immediate constraints.

Notes

Replacing the Royal Navy's existing and unfinished carriers with Implacables creates an immediate demand for aircraft in this counterfactual. Swordfish would remain the search and strike aircraft in secondary theatres while extra Skua production and American fighter orders filled more of the available space. An improved Skua engine is another suggested option. The larger force would strengthen operations in the Mediterranean and allow a much heavier Force Z, potentially including several carriers and King George V-class battleships. Better torpedo protection also raises the possibility that a new carrier would survive damage that sank Courageous. These are scenario consequences, with aircraft supply and the ships' low hangars still constraining what the extra hulls could accomplish.