The twenty eight ships of the C class served as the most numerous British light cruiser formed the basis of the British cruiser force for most of world war one and beyond. However by the 1930s these ships were considered outdated and some of the class was retired by the RN while others were converted into heavy AA platforms and used in the coming world war to decent effect.
My question is this, what if, short on Carriers, the British decided to convert a few of these small ships into light escort carriers. Say they design these ships just before the war, and once the need for aircover over the Atlantic convoys becomes apparent the ships are converted as quickly as possible. And that they enter service in late 40 and 41. Being used to escort various convoys and thus freeing up the RNs fleet carriers for other operations.
My question though is not regarding what the effects of having these ships would be for the RN. But rather I would like to know both the feasibility of such a conversion as well as the potential capabilities of such a ship. Specifically how many aircraft such a conversion could likely carry, how capable and large these planes would be. And how badly the speed, seaworthyness and handling of the ships post conversion would be affected.
The C class was small, only a little over 130 metres if I remember correctly. Quite a bit smaller than other escort carriers of the period, the Casablanca class for instance was over a dozen metres longer, and a fair bit wider. The class was also much smaller than the Independence class light carriers of the USN, a similar conversion from a light cruiser class.
I would guess the airgroup carried would be very small as a result. Likely around two dozen planes. And the vehicles carried would likely be rather small as well due to cramped space. But I am hardly an expert on carriers, or naval development so any ideas or input is welcome.
My question is this, what if, short on Carriers, the British decided to convert a few of these small ships into light escort carriers. Say they design these ships just before the war, and once the need for aircover over the Atlantic convoys becomes apparent the ships are converted as quickly as possible. And that they enter service in late 40 and 41. Being used to escort various convoys and thus freeing up the RNs fleet carriers for other operations.
My question though is not regarding what the effects of having these ships would be for the RN. But rather I would like to know both the feasibility of such a conversion as well as the potential capabilities of such a ship. Specifically how many aircraft such a conversion could likely carry, how capable and large these planes would be. And how badly the speed, seaworthyness and handling of the ships post conversion would be affected.
The C class was small, only a little over 130 metres if I remember correctly. Quite a bit smaller than other escort carriers of the period, the Casablanca class for instance was over a dozen metres longer, and a fair bit wider. The class was also much smaller than the Independence class light carriers of the USN, a similar conversion from a light cruiser class.
I would guess the airgroup carried would be very small as a result. Likely around two dozen planes. And the vehicles carried would likely be rather small as well due to cramped space. But I am hardly an expert on carriers, or naval development so any ideas or input is welcome.
