Top 5 Unusual and Interesting Aircraft Carrier Conversions

Welcome, aviation enthusiasts and history buffs, to a deep dive into the fascinating world of unconventional aircraft carrier conversions! In today's video, we'll explore five extraordinary naval transformations that reshaped the course of naval warfare. From the high seas of World War I to the complex designs of World War II, these forgotten giants have left an indelible mark on naval history. Before we delve into the intriguing stories of these carriers, a quick disclaimer: This video is not an exhaustive historical analysis; rather, it's a layman's exploration of these incredible conversions. So, sit back, relax, and let's embark on a journey through time and innovation. 1. HMS Eagle Our first stop takes us back to the South American Dreadnought Race. The Chilean battleships Almirante Cochrane and Almirante Latorre were part of this competition, armed with ten 14-inch guns and a top speed of 23 to 24 knots. However, the outbreak of World War I led to the British seizing Almirante Cochrane in 1914. In 1918, this Chilean dreadnought was reborn as HMS Eagle, an aircraft carrier with a unique starboard-side island structure. Eagle's journey, trials, and eventual sinking during Operation Pedestal in 1942 make her a compelling addition to our list. 2. HMS Furious Next, we explore the saga of HMS Furious, originally conceived as a large battlecruiser. However, plans changed, and she became a pioneer in aircraft carrier design. Fitted with an innovative forward flight deck in 1917, Furious made history when Squadron Commander E.H. Dunning executed the first successful deck landing at sea. After further modifications, including the addition of an after-flight deck, Furious continued to evolve. Witness her unique configurations and contributions to early carrier operations, earning her a distinguished place on our list. 3. USS Langley Moving across the Atlantic, we arrive at the United States' initial foray into aircraft carriers with the USS Langley. Converted from the fleet collier USS Jupiter, Langley was commissioned in 1922. Although not without challenges, Langley played a pivotal role in the development of carrier aviation. We explore her early experiments, successes, and subsequent transformation into a seaplane tender, shedding light on the crucial role she played in shaping the U.S. Navy's carrier capabilities. 4. HMS Argus Our exploration takes us to the HMS Argus, a carrier born from the hull of an incomplete passenger liner. Argus was a testing ground for various carrier concepts, from a flush flight deck to an unconventional arrangement of the island structure. Her trials and innovations, including the use of an aft crane for seaplanes, provide a unique glimpse into early carrier development. Discover how Argus paved the way for future carrier designs through her unconventional features and successful experiments. 5. RN Aquila Our final stop brings us to the lesser-known Italian aircraft carrier, Aquila. Originally the liner Roma, Aquila's conversion began in 1941, utilizing elements from light cruisers to boost her speed to 30 knots. Despite ambitious plans, Aquila faced setbacks, and her completion was halted in 1943. Unravel the story of this unfinished giant, including the challenges she faced and the potential impact she might have had if circumstances had allowed her to become operational. As we navigate through these forgotten giants of naval history, it's essential to appreciate the ingenuity, challenges, and pivotal roles these carriers played in shaping the future of naval aviation. Join me in uncovering the rich histories and unique features of these remarkable vessels, each contributing a distinct chapter to the grand narrative of aircraft carrier evolution. HMS Eagle video: https://youtu.be/oe2M46ClYiA Intro: 0:00 HMS Eagle: 1:27 HMS Furious: 5:47 USS Langley : 11:30 HMS Argus: 16:13 RN Aquila: 18:49 Conclusion: 22:37 Sources/Other Reading: https://www.amazon.com/British-Battleships-World-War-One/dp/1591140536 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=british+battleships+1919-1945&i=stripbooks&crid=3SDPFHJL5E0CX&sprefix=British+battleships+19%2Cstripbooks%2C101&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_22 https://www.amazon.com/British-Aircraft-Carriers-Development-Histories-ebook/dp/B00USAEM2Y/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1XSJLM0E5VZCQ&keywords=british+carriers&qid=1687548365&s=books&sprefix=british+carriers%2Cstripbooks%2C92&sr=1-6 https://www.amazon.com/Mussolinis-Navy-Reference-Marina-1930-1945/dp/1591145449 Video Information: Copyright fair use notice. All media used in this video is used for the purpose of education under the terms of fair use. All footage and images used belong to their copyright holders, when applicable.