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The Navy launches several new ships to carry aircraft

Some advances were made during the 1920s, but the Admiralty was largely unable to increase the number of British carriers due to the Washington Treaty and the post-war recession. When the Great Depression occurred in the early 1930s the British government, desperate to reduce spending, gambled that an extension to the Washington treaty of 1922 would actually reduce carrier tonnage. When it became obvious that other countries had abandoned the treaty it became difficult for Britain to catch up, especially in carrier design. Financial constraints, political wrangling, a lack of men and expertise meant that the Fleet Air Arm was always behind both its major enemies and allies.

Article Highlights

• Introduction

• New carriers

• HMS Ark Royal

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The 1920s

The Schneider Trophy

The 1930s

Aircraft Carrier development

Naval Aircraft

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