Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:47:55-2:48:19

What a World War II supercarrier would demand ashore

A modern-sized carrier was theoretically possible with World War II technology, although the necessary shipyard and support infrastructure would require extensive expansion.

Aircraft CarriersNaval Industrial CapacityShipyardsWarship Design
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Question

How difficult would it be to build a World War II carrier at the size of a modern supercarrier?

Short answer

The hull was theoretically possible, but shipyards and supporting infrastructure would need major upgrades.

Notes

A World War II carrier built at modern supercarrier scale was theoretically possible, but the hull was only part of the problem. Shipyards and the wider support system would need major upgrades before construction could begin. An extreme warship design depended on the industrial capacity available to build and support it.