BombTaxi
Tech Sergeant
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...
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...