Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 43:03-49:53

A treaty-limit Ranger and better-protected Yorktowns

A Ranger built to the treaty maximum could resemble another Yorktown, while the later Hornet offered the best opening for meaningful protection changes.

Aircraft CarriersUSS Ranger (CV-4)Washington Naval TreatyYorktown Class Aircraft Carriers
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Question

What might Ranger have become at the treaty maximum, and could the Yorktown class have received better protection?

Short answer

Ranger could have approached a Yorktown-type carrier, and Hornet was the most plausible ship to receive substantial protection changes.

Notes

Ranger's small size was a treaty and design choice rather than an unavoidable American carrier template. Building to the available maximum might have produced a ship much closer to the Yorktown class. Of the historical Yorktowns, Hornet's later construction date offered the most realistic opportunity for added protection and machinery changes. Added armour would not automatically cost speed if power and hull design changed with it.