What if Germany built several escort carriers instead of Graf Zeppelin for convoy raiding?
Short answerThey would have to be fast fleet-style raiders rather than ordinary escort carriers, creating major machinery and aviation requirements.
NotesA conventional escort carrier could not keep pace with fast surface raiders or rely on convoy protection. Germany would need purpose-built fast ships with the turbines and engines required to use speed as their defense. Aircraft capacity, training, and the Royal Navy's response would then determine whether the investment produced useful raiding power. Calling the ships escort carriers understates how closely their machinery and operating concept would resemble small fleet carriers.