Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:37:52-1:38:50

Twin-engine torpedo bombers need a fleet-wide support system

Large Admiral-class conversions might operate twin-engine attack aircraft, but a unique type for only a few ships would burden logistics.

Admiral Class BattlecruisersAircraft CarriersAviation LogisticsFleet Air ArmNaval AviationTorpedo Bombers
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Question

Would twin-engine torpedo bombers be worthwhile on Admiral-class carrier conversions?

Short answer

They could be useful, but only if the type also serves elsewhere in the fleet and does not create a unique support burden.

Notes

An Admiral-class carrier conversion would be large enough to invite comparison with Shinano and to support unusually heavy aircraft. Twin-engine torpedo bombers could carry more weapons and use that deck area productively. Takeoff and landing are only the first test. Engines, spares, training, and ordnance also need support across the carrier fleet, or a type confined to a handful of large ships would create a separate logistics chain inside an air arm already struggling with complexity.