Reconstruction preserved familiar hulls but imposed compromises and escalating costs as machinery, decks, and aviation systems were rebuilt around old structures. Victorious, Eagle, and Ark Royal are examples of programs whose combined expense became difficult to justify. Depending on how ancillary costs are counted, the same money could approach three or four new Forrestal-type carriers. Completing Malta-class ships to an enhanced Midway standard would likewise have produced purpose-built postwar decks instead of repeatedly adapting older hulls.
Notable Point · 1:13:05-1:14:09
Why postwar carrier rebuilds could cost more than new ships
The combined cost of rebuilding Victorious, Eagle, and Ark Royal could instead have purchased several new carriers or completed the Malta class to a modern standard.