What is the minimum reasonable tonnage for an escort carrier using aircraft available in 1937?
Short answerAbout 8,000-9,000 tons standard and 14,000-15,000 tons full load, broadly comparable to the Bogue class.
NotesThe estimate is roughly 8,000 to 9,000 tons standard and 14,000 to 15,000 tons fully loaded. The Bogue class provides the approximate lower bound. Aircraft size and operating requirements determine the viable ship more directly than an arbitrary tonnage target.