The Yorktown class combined a top speed of about 32.5 knots with a cruising range of 12,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. The Lexington class had a higher maximum speed but a quoted range of 10,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Those endurance figures use different speeds, so they do not compare fuel consumption under identical conditions. The Lexington class's turbo-electric machinery supported higher speed but required more frequent refuelling. For a raiding force, that difference affected how often the carriers depended on their oilers.
Notable Point · 39:56-41:25
Yorktown and Lexington traded speed against endurance
The Lexington class offered higher speed, while Yorktown-class endurance reduced dependence on fleet oilers.