Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:55:42-3:56:30

British carrier studies approached Ford-class scale

The largest concept is recalled as nuclear-powered, with about three catapults and a size not far short of the Ford class; early options for the current carrier programme were about 30 to 40 metres longer than the ships built.

British ShipyardsCarrier DesignCATOBARGerald R. Ford Class Aircraft CarriersQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal Navy
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Question

What were the largest British aircraft-carrier concepts?

Short answer

The largest concept is recalled as nuclear-powered, with about three catapults and a size not far short of the Ford class; early options for the current carrier programme were about 30 to 40 metres longer than the ships built.

Notes

The largest British carrier concept is recalled as nuclear-powered and fitted with about three catapults. Its scale is compared approximately with the American Ford class. The discussion also recalls options for the current carrier programme that were about 30 to 40 metres longer than the eventual ships. Before Rosyth was selected for assembly, larger dry docks at Inchgreen and Harland and Wolff were considered. The estimates illustrate how the choice of assembly yard affected the sizes under consideration.