Q&A ยท 34:35-36:39

Which later aircraft could the carriers operate?

The discussion argues that Seafires, Barracudas, Fireflies, and similar European-theatre aircraft were within reach after practical upgrades.

Question

Could Courageous and Glorious operate later-war aircraft after modernisation?

Short answer

They would have limits, but they could handle several Royal Navy aircraft and remain useful after a wartime flight-deck and hangar upgrade.

Notes

The largest American naval aircraft would not all fit, but the ships would not become useless. A fuller flight deck and altered hangar height could offset growth in aircraft size once treaty limits no longer governed the work. The existing ships had already handled Swordfish and Skua aircraft, while Seafires, Barracudas, and Fireflies appeared plausible after modernization. Updated arresting gear and accelerators mattered as much as deck dimensions because later aircraft were heavier as well as larger.