Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 31:16-31:27

Could HMS Unicorn lead to wartime light fleet carriers?

Existing work on HMS Unicorn could give Britain a starting point for building several light fleet carriers during the conflict.

Aircraft Carrier ConstructionAviation Support ShipsBritish ShipbuildingCarrier Force StructureHMS UnicornLight Fleet CarriersRoyal Navy
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Question

Could Britain build and commission a class derived from HMS Unicorn in time to help?

Short answer

Probably yes, because Unicorn was already under construction and later British light fleet carriers showed how quickly several hulls could be produced.

Notes

HMS Unicorn was already under construction, giving Britain a design and active programme from which related carriers might follow. Several could probably be completed in time to affect the war. British light fleet carriers were historically built quickly. Existing design work and active construction could therefore shorten wartime mobilisation and expand carrier numbers sooner.