Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:59:55-2:00:31

Lexington battlecruisers in a Second World War role

Unconverted Lexingtons could have become fast escorts for carrier forces, though their protection would remain a limiting factor.

Aircraft CarriersBattlecruisersLexington Class BattlecruisersUS NavyWorld War II
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Question

How might Lexington-class battlecruisers have fared in the Second World War?

Short answer

They could have been useful fast carrier escorts after modernization, but their relatively light armour would remain a vulnerability.

Notes

A plausible interwar modernization path resembles the one followed by the Kongos. Additional protection and updated systems could move the Lexingtons toward the lightly armoured end of the fast-battleship spectrum. Their speed would be especially valuable when escorting carrier task forces. They could also hunt raiders or operate as fast surface wings without having to fight the enemy battle line directly. Light original armour would remain the central vulnerability whenever speed failed to control the engagement.