Q&A · 1:48:28-1:50:57

A Neptune-class cruiser as a helicopter command ship

A surviving Neptune-class hull could have provided a much larger helicopter and command platform than the smaller conversions Britain actually fielded.

Question

How might a 1960s refit of Neptune-class cruisers have changed later Royal Navy aviation ships?

Short answer

Their size could support a more capable helicopter command ship, forcing later Invincible designs to be larger and more capable to justify themselves.

Notes

The proposal turns the large Neptune-class cruiser hull into a helicopter and command ship while retaining the forward six-inch guns. The aft portion could carry more helicopters than the smaller Tiger conversions, while the anti-aircraft fit might include three-inch automatic guns, retained 4.5-inch weapons, or later missiles such as Sea Dart. Its greater internal and deck space would make it a much more capable escort-group flagship. Such a ship would also change the case for later Invincible-class construction, because a new aviation vessel would have to exceed an already substantial helicopter cruiser. A Neptune-derived lineage could push the later carrier hull beyond the historical Invincible's dimensions.