Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:16:42-2:23:56

Tiger had a limited radar-picket role

A short question confirms that the gun cruisers were expected to contribute early warning around carrier forces.

Air DefenceAircraft Carrier EscortsConvoy EscortRadar PicketsTiger Class Cruisers
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Question

Were the Tiger-class cruisers intended to act as radar pickets for carriers?

Short answer

To an extent; radar-picket work supplemented their broader carrier- and convoy-air-defense mission.

Notes

Radar-picket duty formed part of the Tiger concept, though it did not define the whole design. The ships were intended to protect carrier groups and convoys with radar and rapid antiaircraft fire. Operating ahead of or around the defended force would extend warning and engagement opportunities. The role remained complementary to carriers and future missile ships rather than making Tiger a dedicated picket design.