Photos of First Aircraft Carrier

[BombTaxi]

The FAA was also handicapped by a few other factors. One was the RN's predilection for converting other vessels, such as the failed 'Furious' class large light cruisers, into carriers. as the vessels were designed with the fine lines of a 30-knot battle cruiser, they were not ideal for carrying aircraft, and air group sizes, and the size of individual aircraft suffered as a result.

Even in the purpose-built fleet carriers of the WW2 period, cramped hangar decks and the weight of the heavy armour built into British carriers continued to restrict air group size and operational capability, while the strained state of British building facilities meant that production was also limited in terms of numbers. Had the British been able to churn out a design like the 'Essex' class, and fill it with Seafires, Fireflys and Barracudas, the FAA could perhaps have achieved the same sucess as their American allies...

 

[herman1rg]

I think the appropriate word is "Carrier" which would imply that there is space for the aircraft to be stored before being prepared for flight.

 

[nuuumannn]

To be pedantic, HMS Furious was the first vessel that could effectively be called a 'carrier' in the accepted sense since it was completed with a flying off deck for seaplanes and later a landing deck aft. She also had a hangar below the flying off deck with an opening in the trunking for the forward 18" gun turret. Although initially designated for carrying seaplanes, she did operate land planes in action; the very first successful aircraft carrier launched air strike in history was launched from Furious on 18 July 1918 when seven Sopwith Camels bombed the German airship sheds at Tondern. The unfortunate thing was that despite Furious' rear landing deck, landing on it was advised against because of turbulence over the deck caused by the ship's superstructure. It was accepted that the Camels had to ditch or fly on to friendly territory; obviously not a sustainable means of power projection.

Furious holds a large number of firsts for the aircraft carrier, including the first landing on the deck of a carrier (Edwin Dunning in a Sopwith Pup), although this was carried out on Furious' bow as she was still fitted with the single 18" gun on the stern at that time.

HMS Argus bears the distinction of being the first flat top carrier and prior to the war's end the very first aircraft carrier based torpedo squadron, 185 Sqn, RAF was declared ready for operations from the 'Flat Iron' as Argus was nicknamed.

The Royal Navy realised the benefits of air power at sea from early on with the introduction on seaplane tenders early in WW1 - passenger steamers converted to operate seaplanes and by late 1917 every capital warship in RN service was equipped to carry at least one aeroplane for scouting purposes, 1 1/2 Strutters, Pups and Ship's Camels were the predominant types.

 

[nuuumannn]

they were not ideal for carrying aircraft, and air group sizes, and the size of individual aircraft suffered as a result.

I can't say I entirely agree with this, Glorious and Courageous were not the best vessels as carriers by comparison to WW2 designs, but in the 30s they were the biggest carriers in the world other than the Lexington, Saratoga, Akagi and Kaga tonnage wise. Also, the aircraft they embarked were among the best in the world for the roles they carried out in that time; Fairey Flycatchers, Fairey IIIFs, Blackburn Ripons, Sharks etc, although it's true, they didn't have big complements compared to their foreign counterparts. You also have to remember that the decision to convert these ships was made during WW1, although conversion didn't take place until later.

Although control of naval aviation by the RAF was a restraint, requirements for navy aircraft were laid down by the Admiralty, which was as much to blame for aerial monstrosities like the Blackburn Blackburn and the Avro Bison. A big part of the problem, like in other countries was the lean years between the wars and in-fighting between the services for funds. Defence ideals were also responsible for the paucity in British naval aircraft development. The RAF heads were convinced, like many countries that bombers were the best means of power projection and that offence was the best means of defence; luckily some of Britain's defence chiefs saw sense in that small single seat fighters could tackle bombers with ease. Needless to say, with this line of thought going on, the naval air arm came in as a low priority in the struggle for defence funding.