Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:25:17-1:25:57

A carrier gun battle turns on speed before it turns on guns

Without aircraft, the converted battlecruiser carriers can damage one another, but Akagi's speed and Kaga's vulnerability split the Japanese pair.

Aircraft CarriersIJN AkagiKagaLexington Class BattlecruisersNaval GunnerySurface Warfare
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

How would Lexington and Saratoga fare against Akagi and Kaga in a 1942 battle with no aircraft available?

Short answer

The ships could badly damage or sink one another, but Akagi might escape on speed while Kaga is likely to be overwhelmed.

Notes

The carriers retain guns capable of hurting their opponents, but none is optimized for a sustained surface engagement. Speed would likely decide which ships can choose or escape the fight. Akagi may be able to outrun Lexington or Saratoga. Kaga is more likely to be overwhelmed first, leaving Akagi isolated after a mutually destructive action.