Ranger and Wasp historically sat near the proposed light-carrier range, so another thousand tons could improve their margins without turning them into fleet carriers. The United States could pair one large USS United States conversion with several purpose-built ships approaching later Yorktown or Essex capability. Japan's path depends on whether Tosa and Kaga remain battleships under the alternate construction programme. If Kaga is unavailable after Amagi's earthquake loss, another Amagi-class hull may have to advance far enough to become the replacement conversion.
Notable Point · 3:02:50-3:06:16
A light-carrier category creates new American and Japanese branches
A 16,000-ton London category could improve Ranger- and Wasp-like ships while changing which Japanese hull replaces Amagi after the earthquake.