Intro
Explore the Top 5 Aircraft Carriers of WW2, the naval giants that dominated the seas during World War II. Discover the Essex-class, Illustrious-class, and Akagi-class carriers, plus the USS Enterprise and HMS Ark Royal, and learn about their pivotal roles in shaping the wars outcome, with features on aircraft capacity, firepower, and strategic impact.
The Second World War saw the rise of aircraft carriers as a crucial component of naval warfare. These floating airbases played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the war, providing air support for ground troops and engaging enemy ships. In this article, we will explore the top 5 aircraft carriers of World War II, highlighting their features, accomplishments, and impact on the war.
1. USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise, also known as "The Big E," was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater. Commissioned in 1938, the Enterprise was one of the largest and most advanced aircraft carriers of its time, with a length of 825 feet and a displacement of over 25,000 tons. The ship's impressive air group consisted of 90 aircraft, including Grumman F4F Wildcats, Douglas SBD Dauntlesses, and TBD Devastators.
The Enterprise was instrumental in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. Its air group sank several Japanese warships, including the carrier Akagi, and helped turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.
Specifications:
- Length: 825 feet
- Displacement: 25,000 tons
- Speed: 33 knots
- Air group: 90 aircraft
2. IJN Akagi
The IJN Akagi was a Japanese aircraft carrier that served as the flagship of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Carrier Division 1. Commissioned in 1927, the Akagi was one of the largest and most advanced aircraft carriers in the world at the time, with a length of 855 feet and a displacement of over 36,000 tons. The ship's air group consisted of 63 aircraft, including Mitsubishi A6M Zeroes, Nakajima B5N1s, and Aichi D3A1s.
The Akagi played a significant role in the early stages of the war, participating in the attack on Pearl Harbor and several other battles. However, the ship was sunk during the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the war, when it was attacked by Douglas SBD Dauntlesses from the USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown.
Specifications:
- Length: 855 feet
- Displacement: 36,000 tons
- Speed: 31 knots
- Air group: 63 aircraft
3. USS Yorktown (CV-5)
The USS Yorktown was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater. Commissioned in 1937, the Yorktown was one of the largest and most advanced aircraft carriers of its time, with a length of 825 feet and a displacement of over 25,000 tons. The ship's air group consisted of 90 aircraft, including Grumman F4F Wildcats, Douglas SBD Dauntlesses, and TBD Devastators.
The Yorktown participated in several key battles, including the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. Its air group sank several Japanese warships, including the carrier Shōhō, and helped turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.
Specifications:
- Length: 825 feet
- Displacement: 25,000 tons
- Speed: 33 knots
- Air group: 90 aircraft
4. HMS Ark Royal (91)
The HMS Ark Royal was a British aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the early stages of the war. Commissioned in 1938, the Ark Royal was one of the largest and most advanced aircraft carriers of its time, with a length of 800 feet and a displacement of over 22,000 tons. The ship's air group consisted of 60 aircraft, including Blackburn Skuas, Fairey Swordfishes, and Fairey Fulmars.
The Ark Royal participated in several key battles, including the attack on the German battleship Bismarck and the Battle of Cape Spartivento. Its air group sank several German and Italian warships, and helped turn the tide of the war in the Mediterranean.
Specifications:
- Length: 800 feet
- Displacement: 22,000 tons
- Speed: 31 knots
- Air group: 60 aircraft
5. IJN Kaga
The IJN Kaga was a Japanese aircraft carrier that served as the flagship of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Carrier Division 1. Commissioned in 1928, the Kaga was one of the largest and most advanced aircraft carriers in the world at the time, with a length of 777 feet and a displacement of over 33,000 tons. The ship's air group consisted of 90 aircraft, including Mitsubishi A6M Zeroes, Nakajima B5N1s, and Aichi D3A1s.
The Kaga played a significant role in the early stages of the war, participating in the attack on Pearl Harbor and several other battles. However, the ship was sunk during the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the war, when it was attacked by Douglas SBD Dauntlesses from the USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown.
Specifications:
- Length: 777 feet
- Displacement: 33,000 tons
- Speed: 28 knots
- Air group: 90 aircraft
Aircraft Carrier Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the top 5 aircraft carriers of World War II. These ships played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the war, and their legacy continues to inspire naval architects and historians today. We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on this topic in the comments section below.