Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:18:54-1:21:38

Could smaller American CATOBAR carriers replace wartime losses?

Smaller carriers and reused designs could help replace losses, but even an accelerated program would still require years to deliver new flight decks.

Aircraft CarriersCATOBARForce RegenerationQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersShipbuildingUS Navy
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Question

Could the United States build a smaller conventional CATOBAR carrier to replace combat losses in a major war?

Short answer

Yes, but the estimate is still roughly two and a half to three years, so it would complement faster emergency conversions rather than provide an immediate replacement.

Notes

A smaller American CATOBAR carrier is accepted as a possible wartime response, but the construction estimate is still roughly two and a half to three years. World War II light fleet carriers illustrate the delay even when builders could adapt an existing design, described here through HMS Unicorn. Reworking an amphibious-ship design would help with design preparation without eliminating the interval between laying a keel and commissioning a ship. The Queen Elizabeth class is proposed as an available basis for a conventionally powered carrier, including a CATOBAR design associated with the French requirement. Such options address replacement over several years, while merchant conversions remain the faster emergency expedient.