Most interesting read. Can you elaborate a tad more on that experimental converted carrier to be built ITTL? Do they still build the Ju-87C and Bf-109T (to fly from that experimental CV?), or they plan to start building carrier based fighters and dive bombers based on say Bf-109F and Ju-87D after 1940?
I've not decided yet. It will probably be:
1) A very crude conversion like the British Audacity;
2) A German equivalent of the USS Long Island;
3) A German equivalent of the BAVGs.
Probably 1 followed by 2 or 3. That is they do an "Audacity" because it should be quick and that will give them something to land and take off from. Then they follow that up with a more elaborate conversion that has lifts and a hangar.
However, I have noticed that the specification for the German fleet oilers is similar to the USN Cimarron class some of which were converted into Sangamon class escort carriers. Therefore the Germans will want to convert some of them instead of the projected liner conversions. But as I'm trying to keep this realistic they won't have the resources to convert any of them.
I also need a name for the experimental carrier. I don't want to use Graff Zeppelin or Peter Strasser. If nobody can think of a better name I'm going to call it Seelöwe (because I have that sort of sense of humour).
I was going to say no Bf109T, Ju87C or Fi167, but having thought about it maybe they do.
Initially the Kriegsmarine will buy some middle 1930s vintage Japanese naval aircraft to operate from the experimental carrier. These will be the aircraft in service in 1939, but the plan would be to replace them with imported Japanese monoplanes like the Zero, Kate and Val.
However, they aren't going to get the Zero until 1941, so the Bf109T might still be built to give the pilots experience of high performance fighters while they were waiting for the Zero, which they don't get because of the British blockade and Operation Barbarossa. Therefore they also do the Ju87C because the imports of the Kate and Val have been frustrated too.