Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:02:44-2:03:18

Why Britain and America did not merge Malta and Midway

A viewer asks why two allied navies sharing design information did not create a single postwar fleet-carrier program.

Defence CooperationMalta Class Aircraft CarriersMidway Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal NavyShip DesignUS Navy
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Question

Why did the Royal Navy and US Navy not combine Malta and Midway into one unified carrier program?

Short answer

They shared information but retained different national design concepts and operating styles, so each developed its own carrier.

Notes

The Royal Navy and US Navy exchanged considerable information, but each brought its own operating style, design priorities, and institutional preferences. A common goal therefore produced related but distinct Malta and Midway solutions rather than one standardized hull.