Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:40:49-4:41:46

Lexington class designed as an American Hood

A Hood-like Lexington battlecruiser would produce a somewhat larger carrier conversion with better subdivision and survivability.

BattlecruisersCarrier ConversionsHMS HoodLexington Class BattlecruisersUS Navy
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Question

How would Lexington-class carriers change if the battlecruisers were designed as American versions of HMS Hood?

Short answer

They would be somewhat larger carriers with better subdivision and survivability.

Notes

The Lexington battlecruiser concept prioritized scouting and economic warfare over fighting other battlecruisers. A design closer to HMS Hood would put more protection and subdivision into the hull from the outset. It would be somewhat heavier and probably larger. Those structural differences would survive conversion into an aircraft carrier and improve its ability to withstand damage.