Q&A · 3:11:24-3:14:05

An aircraft carrier built on an Incomparable hull

An Incomparable conversion would reach practical air-group limits before exhausting its space, leaving room for spares and larger twin-engine aircraft.

Question

What air group would suit an Incomparable-class hull converted into a carrier like HMS Eagle?

Short answer

An estimated eighty to one hundred operational aircraft plus many spares, with unused capacity encouraging larger twin-engine reconnaissance and strike aircraft.

Notes

An Incomparable hull converted into an Eagle-style carrier would probably operate about eighty to one hundred aircraft, even if it could physically accommodate the suggested 100 to 150. The spare capacity could hold replacement aircraft and help sustain the operational air group. Once handling limits were reached before the hangar was full, larger twin-engine reconnaissance and strike aircraft would become attractive uses of the remaining space. Their range, speed, defensive armament, and possible ability to carry two torpedoes are central to the proposed advantage. If successful, these aircraft could influence the design of Ark Royal and Britain's negotiating position when the Second London Naval Treaty reduced carrier displacement to 23,000 tons. American and Japanese carrier development would also have to account for the resulting British reconnaissance and strike reach.