Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:07:33-1:08:44

Lexington versus Akagi in a surface gunfight

Lexington might hold an advantage in a hypothetical gun battle with Akagi, but both carriers would be vulnerable to damaging hits.

Carrier GunneryIJN AkagiSurface ActionUSS Lexington (CV-2)Warship Protection
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Question

Who would win a surface gun battle between Lexington and Akagi?

Short answer

Lexington might have the edge, but both carriers were vulnerable enough that each could badly damage or disable the other.

Notes

Akagi's roughly 31.5-knot speed and battery of 7.9-inch guns would make the encounter dangerous. Lexington might hold an edge in a simple comparison of the two ships' surface armament and performance. Both ships could nevertheless suffer damaging hits because neither was heavily armored or designed for a gun battle.