Intro
Discover the top 10 WWII aircraft carriers that revolutionized naval warfare. From the USS Enterprise to the Akagi, learn about the iconic flattops that played a crucial role in shaping history. Explore their design, battles, and impact on the war, and find out which carriers earned legendary status in the Pacific and European theaters.
The Second World War was a pivotal moment in modern history, and the role of aircraft carriers in shaping its outcome cannot be overstated. These floating airbases played a crucial part in the war's naval battles, allowing aircraft to take off and land in the middle of the ocean. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 WWII aircraft carriers that made significant contributions to the war effort.
1. USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise, also known as the "Big E," was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that served as the flagship of the US Pacific Fleet. Commissioned in 1938, it played a significant role in the Battle of Midway, where it helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 809 feet 9 inches (246.7 meters)
- Beam: 83 feet 2 inches (25.4 meters)
- Displacement: 25,500 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
2. IJN Akagi
The IJN Akagi was a Japanese aircraft carrier that served as the flagship of the Imperial Japanese Navy's carrier fleet. Commissioned in 1927, it played a significant role in the early stages of the war, including the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 855 feet 3 inches (260.7 meters)
- Beam: 91 feet 10 inches (28 meters)
- Displacement: 36,500 tons
- Speed: 31 knots (57 km/h)
3. USS Yorktown (CV-5)
The USS Yorktown was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that served in the US Pacific Fleet. Commissioned in 1937, it played a significant role in the Battle of Midway, where it was sunk by Japanese forces.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 809 feet 9 inches (246.7 meters)
- Beam: 83 feet 2 inches (25.4 meters)
- Displacement: 25,500 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
4. IJN Kaga
The IJN Kaga was a Japanese aircraft carrier that served as the flagship of the Imperial Japanese Navy's carrier fleet. Commissioned in 1928, it played a significant role in the early stages of the war, including the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 863 feet 10 inches (263.3 meters)
- Beam: 90 feet 1 inch (27.5 meters)
- Displacement: 38,200 tons
- Speed: 31 knots (57 km/h)
5. HMS Ark Royal
The HMS Ark Royal was a British aircraft carrier that served in the Royal Navy. Commissioned in 1938, it played a significant role in the early stages of the war, including the Norwegian Campaign.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 800 feet 6 inches (243.8 meters)
- Beam: 94 feet 9 inches (28.9 meters)
- Displacement: 27,400 tons
- Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h)
6. USS Hornet (CV-8)
The USS Hornet was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that served in the US Pacific Fleet. Commissioned in 1941, it played a significant role in the Doolittle Raid and the Battle of Midway.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 809 feet 9 inches (246.7 meters)
- Beam: 83 feet 2 inches (25.4 meters)
- Displacement: 25,500 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
7. IJN Soryu
The IJN Soryu was a Japanese aircraft carrier that served in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Commissioned in 1937, it played a significant role in the early stages of the war, including the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 816 feet 10 inches (249 meters)
- Beam: 73 feet 6 inches (22.4 meters)
- Displacement: 19,800 tons
- Speed: 34 knots (63 km/h)
8. USS Essex (CV-9)
The USS Essex was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in the US Pacific Fleet. Commissioned in 1942, it played a significant role in the latter stages of the war, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 872 feet 6 inches (265.8 meters)
- Beam: 93 feet 2 inches (28.4 meters)
- Displacement: 30,800 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
9. IJN Hiryu
The IJN Hiryu was a Japanese aircraft carrier that served in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Commissioned in 1939, it played a significant role in the early stages of the war, including the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 816 feet 10 inches (249 meters)
- Beam: 73 feet 6 inches (22.4 meters)
- Displacement: 19,800 tons
- Speed: 34 knots (63 km/h)
10. HMS Illustrious
The HMS Illustrious was a British aircraft carrier that served in the Royal Navy. Commissioned in 1940, it played a significant role in the Mediterranean Theater, including the Battle of Taranto.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 753 feet 9 inches (229.8 meters)
- Beam: 95 feet 9 inches (29.2 meters)
- Displacement: 23,400 tons
- Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h)
WWII Aircraft Carriers Image Gallery
What was the significance of aircraft carriers in WWII?
+Aircraft carriers played a crucial role in WWII, serving as floating airbases that allowed aircraft to take off and land in the middle of the ocean. They were instrumental in naval battles, providing air support and reconnaissance capabilities.
Which aircraft carrier was the most successful in WWII?
+The USS Enterprise (CV-6) is often considered the most successful aircraft carrier of WWII, having played a significant role in the Battle of Midway and other key battles.
What were some of the key characteristics of WWII aircraft carriers?
+WWII aircraft carriers were characterized by their size, speed, and armament. They typically had a length of around 800-900 feet, a beam of around 80-100 feet, and a displacement of around 20,000-30,000 tons. They were also equipped with anti-aircraft guns, torpedoes, and aircraft.
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the top 10 WWII aircraft carriers that shaped history. These vessels played a significant role in the war's outcome, and their legacy continues to influence naval warfare to this day.