Q&A · 2:31:17-2:31:54

How additional Hermes-type carriers improve fleet learning

A larger early carrier fleet accelerates learning because several ships can test doctrine around the world instead of concentrating experience in a few hulls.

Question

How would four Hermes-style ships affect postwar carrier development after a successful first strike?

Short answer

More carriers create more deployments, experiments, and operational experience; without treaty limits they remain until newer designs replace them on practical grounds.

Notes

Four Hermes-type ships would serve alongside the Courageous carriers and whatever further carriers were built. Worldwide deployments would give more crews opportunities to gain experience and develop naval aviation. An initially successful strike would not guarantee the ships a permanent place in the fleet. Without treaty constraints, each could remain while useful and give way to a better replacement when required.