Six Lexington-class conversions would probably emerge in several related designs rather than one uniform class. The two most advanced battlecruisers would retain the most original structure, while less complete pairs could be altered more radically. Hulls that existed mainly as keels and purchased machinery might become almost entirely new carriers while still being described diplomatically as conversions. The treaty allowed converted carriers more displacement than purpose-built ships because designers expected conversion work to waste space and weight. Construction status and treaty language would therefore shape each pair as strongly as naval requirements did.
Notable Point · 1:13:34-1:15:45
Six Lexington conversions would not be identical
Construction progress would divide six Lexington hulls into pairs, ranging from close conversions to almost purpose-built carriers sheltered by treaty conversion allowances.