The Implacable class extends the argument beyond ships already close to completion when war began. Implacable and Indefatigable were laid down in 1939 but did not launch until late 1942, after more than three years on the ways. They then required almost two more years to complete. The slow start compounded the delay because later wartime changes were incorporated instead of new carriers being delivered on a roughly three-year schedule.
Notable Point · 16:56-18:21
Implacable-class delays and lost momentum
Implacable and Indefatigable illustrate how a slow start invited later changes and stretched construction toward five years.