The carrier conversion triggered fierce arguments over the superstructure and funnel arrangement. One proposal used a trunked system to route exhaust gases through the hull and discharge them at the stern instead of through a conventional funnel. The idea was rejected early for Lexington and Saratoga. It returned during Ranger's design and was rejected more decisively. Its return shows how uncertain early carrier layout remained.
Notable Point · 22:50-23:29
Trunked exhaust tests the limits of carrier layout
Proposals to route exhaust gases through the hull and out at the stern were rejected for the Lexingtons, then returned during Ranger's design.