ZRCV was conceived as a larger flying carrier able to operate nine dive bombers. Building it would have required another increase in size after Akron had already exposed serious handling and support problems. With only two Akron-class ships ordered, accidents dominated a small body of successful fleet experience. Moffett might have secured another generation, but his death removed the officer most capable of turning experimental promise into sustained investment. His 12 years leading the Bureau of Aeronautics and his selection of King as a likely successor show how much the programme depended on institutional leadership.
Notable Point · 3:20:27-3:23:15
The nine-aircraft ZRCV needed a stronger investment case
A nine-aircraft successor required another large investment after accidents had eclipsed Akron's limited successes and Moffett's death had removed its strongest advocate.