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fighting ships of the world

UNITED STATES NAVY (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)

AIRCRAFT CARRYING SHIPS

ESSEX aircraft carriers (1942-1950)

Essex 1943

Intrepid 1944

Randolph 1944

Essex 1944

Yorktown 1944

Randolph 1945

Lexington 1945

Antietam 1968

Kearsarge 1954

Oriskany 1950

     

Shangri La 1957

Oriskany 1959

 

 

Oriskany 1975

 

Oriskany 1990

Essex 1963

 

Oriskany 1979

Boxer 1963

Princeton 1965

 

 

 

No Name Yard No Builder Laid down Launched Comm Fate
CV9, 10.1952- CVA9, 3.1960- CVS9 Essex 392 Newport News 28.4.1941 31.7.1942 31.12.1942 ASW aircraft carrier 3.1960, stricken 6.1975
CV10, 10.1952- CVA10, 9.1957- CVS10 Yorktown (ex-Bon Homme Richard) 393 Newport News 1.12.1941 21.1.1943 15.4.1943 ASW aircraft carrier 9.1957, stricken 6.1973, preserved
CV11, 10.1952- CVA11, 3.1962- CVS11 Intrepid 394 Newport News 1.12.1941 26.4.1943 16.8.1943 ASW aircraft carrier 3.1962, stricken 2.1982, preserved
CV12, 10.1952- CVA12, 6.1959- CVS12 Hornet (ex-Kearsarge) 395 Newport News 3.8.1942 30.8.1943 29.11.1943 ASW aircraft carrier 6.1959, stricken 7.1989, preserved
CV13, 10.1952- CVA13, 8.1953- CVS13, 5.1959- AVT8 Franklin 396 Newport News 7.12.1942 14.10.1943 31.1.1944 ASW aircraft carrier 10.1952, aviation transport 5.1959, stricken 10.1964
CV14, 10.1952- CVA14, 10.1969- CVS14 Ticonderoga (ex-Hancock) 397 Newport News 1.2.1943 7.2.1944 8.5.1944 ASW aircraft carrier 10.1969, stricken 11.1973
CV15, 10.1952- CVA15, 3.1959- CVS15 Randolph 398 Newport News 10.5.1943 29.6.1944 9.10.1944 ASW aircraft carrier 3.1959, stricken 6.1973
CV16, 10.1952 - CVA16, 10.1962 - CVS16, 1.1969 - CVT16, 7.1978 - AVT16 Lexington (ex-Cabot) 1508 Bethlehem, Quincy 15.9.1941 26.9.1942 17.2.1943 ASW aircraft carrier 10.1962, training aircraft carrier 1.1969, auxiliary aircraft landing training ship 7.1978, stricken 11.1991, preserved
CV17, 10.1952- CVA17, 8.1953- CVS17 Bunker Hill 1509 Bethlehem, Quincy 15.9.1941 7.12.1942 20.5.1943 ASW aircraft carrier 8.1953, stricken 11.1966
CV18, 10.1952- CVA18, 11.1956- CVS18 Wasp (ex-Oriskany) 1510 Bethlehem, Quincy 18.3.1942 17.8.1943 24.11.1943 ASW aircraft carrier 11.1956, stricken 7.1972
CV19, 10.1952 - CVA19, 6.1975 - CV19 Hancock (ex-Ticonderoga) 1511 Bethlehem, Quincy 26.1.1943 17.8.1943 15.4.1944 stricken 1.1976
CV20, 10.1952- CVA20, 6.1959- CVS20 Bennington   Newport News 15.12.1942 26.2.1944 6.8.1944 ASW aircraft carrier 6.1959, stricken 9.1989
CV21, 10.1952- CVA21, 11.1955- CVS21, 1.1959- LPH4 Boxer 410 Newport News 13.9.1943 14.12.1944 16.4.1945 ASW aircraft carrier 11.1955, assault helicopter carrier 1.1959, stricken 12.1969
CV31, 10.1952- CVA31, 6.1975- CV31 Bon Homme Richard   New York N Yd, Brooklyn 1.2.1943 29.4.1944 26.11.1944 stricken 9.1989
CV32, 10.1952- CVA32, 8.1953- CVS32, 5.1959- AVT10 Leyte (ex-Crown Point) 446 Newport News 21.2.1944 23.8.1945 11.4.1946 ASW aircraft carrier 8.1953, aviation transport 5.1959, stricken 6.1969
CV33, 10.1952- CVA33, 10.1958- CVS33 Kearsarge   New York N Yd, Brooklyn 1.3.1944 5.5.1945 2.3.1946 ASW aircraft carrier 10.1958, stricken 5.1973
CV34, 10.1952- CVA34, 6.1975- CV34 Oriskany   New York N Yd, Brooklyn 1.5.1944 13.10.1945 25.9.1950 stricken 7.1989
CV35 Reprisal   New York N Yd, Brooklyn 1.7.1944 1946 --- cancelled 11.8.1945
CV36, 10.1952- CVA36, 8.1953- CVS36 Antietam   Philadelphia N Yd 15.3.1943 20.8.1944 28.1.1945 ASW aircraft carrier 8.1953, stricken 5.1973
CV37, 10.1952- CVA37, 11.1953- CVS37, 3.1959- LPH5 Princeton (ex-Valley Forge)   Philadelphia N Yd 14.9.1943 8.7.1945 18.11.1945 ASW aircraft carrier 11.1953, assault helicopter carrier 3.1959, stricken 1.1970
CV38, 10.1952- CVA38, 6.1969- CVS38 Shangri La   Norfolk N Yd, Portsmouth 15.1.1943 24.2.1944 15.9.1944 ASW aircraft carrier 6.1969, stricken 7.1982
CV39, 10.1952- CVA39, 8.1957- CVS39 Lake Champlain   Norfolk N Yd, Portsmouth 15.3.1943 2.11.1944 3.6.1945 ASW aircraft carrier 8.1957, stricken 12.1969
CV40, 10.1952- CVA40, 1.1955- CVS40, 1961- AVT12 Tarawa   Norfolk N Yd, Portsmouth 1.3.1944 12.5.1945 8.12.1945 ASW aircraft carrier 1.1955, aviation transport 1961, stricken 6.1967
CV45, 10.1952- CVA45, 11.1953- CVS45, 7.1961- LPH8 Valley Forge   Philadelphia N Yd 7.9.1944 18.11.1945 3.11.1946 ASW aircraft carrier 11.1953, assault helicopter carrier 7.1961, stricken 1.1970
CV46 Iwo Jima 447 Newport News 29.1.1945 --- --- cancelled 11.8.1945
CV47, 10.1952- CVA47, 11.1955- CVS47, 5.1959- AVT11 Philippine Sea (ex-Wright) 1570 Bethlehem, Quincy 19.8.1944 5.9.1945 11.5.1946 ASW aircraft carrier 11.1955, aviation transport 5.1959, stricken 12.1969

 

Data variant as commissioned, except Oriskany

Displacement standard, t

27208

Displacement full, t

34881

Length, m

CV9 - 13, 16 - 18, 20, 31: 249.9 wl, 265.8 oa

CV14, 15, 17 - 19, 21, 32 - 40, 45 - 47: 249.9 wl, 270.7 oa

Breadth, m

28.3 wl 45.0 oa

Draught, m

8.38 full load

No of shafts

4

Machinery

4 sets Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 8 Babcock & Wilcox boilers

Power, h. p.

150000

Max speed, kts

32.7

Fuel, t

oil 4758 - 6330

Endurance, nm(kts) 15440 (15)

Armour, mm

belt: 102 - 64, hangar deck: 64, main deck: 38

Armament

CV9: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 8 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 46 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair fighters, SB2U Vindicator, SB2C Helldiver, SBD Dauntless dive bombers, TBF, TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, SOC Seagull reconnaissance planes)

CV10 - 12, 16 -18: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 8 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 46 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat fighters, SB2C Helldiver, SBD Dauntless dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, SOC Seagull reconnaissance planes)

CV13, 14, 19: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 8 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 46 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat fighters, SB2C Helldiver, SBD Dauntless dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, SOC Seagull reconnaissance planes)

CV15, 20, 31, 38: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 10 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 57 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat fighters, SBD Dauntless, SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, SOC Seagull reconnaissance planes)

CV21: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 18 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 35 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, FR Fireball fighters, SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, SOC Seagull reconnaissance planes)

CV32, 33: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 18 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 2, 35 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 91 aircraft (F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, FR Fireball, F8F Bearcat fighters, SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers)

CV36: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 18 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 16 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, 23 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat fighters, SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, SOC Seagull reconnaissance planes)

CV37: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 18 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 16 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, 23 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, FR Fireball, F8F Bearcat fighters, SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers)

CV39: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 18 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 16 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, 23 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, FR Fireball, F8F Bearcat fighters, SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, SOC Seagull reconnaissance planes)

CV40:  4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 12, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 18 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 16 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, 23 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 91 aircraft (F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, FR Fireball, F8F Bearcat fighters, SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers)

CV45, 47: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 18 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 16 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 23 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 91 aircraft (F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, FR Fireball, F8F Bearcat fighters, SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers)

Sensors

CV9: SK, SC-2, SG, 2x Mk 4 radars

presumably CV10 - 12, 16 - 18: SK, SC-2, SG, SM, 2x Mk 12.22 radars

presumably CV13 - 15, 19, 20, 31, 38: SK-2, SC-2, (1 - 2)x SG, SM, 2x Mk 12.22 radars

presumably CV21, 32, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40, 45, 47: SK-2, SR, SG, SG-6, (0 -1)x SP, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

Complement

2682

 Aircraft facilities (CV9) (fd - 8,648 m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 262.8 x 32.9 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 2 elevators in center line (12.7 t, 14.7 x 13.5 m) and 1 deck-edge (12.7 t, 18.3 x 10.4 m). No catapults. Aircraft fuel stowage: 908 900 l. 

(CV10-13, 17, 18) (fd - 8,648 m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 262.8 x 32.9 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 2 elevators in center line (12.7 t, 14.7 x 13.5 m) and 1 deck-edge (12.7 t, 18.3 x 10.4 m). one flight deck H 4B and one doubled athwartships H 4A cataapults in hangar. Aircraft fuel stowage: 908 900 l. 

(CV14, 15, 19, 21, 32-40, 45-47) (fd - 8,468 m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 257.4 x 32.9 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 2 elevators in center line (12.7 t, 14.7 x 13.5 m) and 1 deck-edge (12.7 t, 18.3 x 10.4 m). Two flight deck H 4B catapults. Aircraft fuel stowage: 908 900 l. 

(CV16) (fd - 8,648 m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 262.8 x 32.9 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 2 elevators in center line (12.7 t, 14.7 x 13.5 m) and 1 deck-edge (12.7 t, 18.3 x 10.4 m). One flight deck H 4B catapult. Aircraft fuel stowage: 908 900 l. 

(CV20, 31) (fd - 8,648 m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 262.8 x 32.9 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 2 elevators in center line (12.7 t, 14.7 x 13.5 m) and 1 deck-edge (12.7 t, 18.3 x 10.4 m). Two flight deck H 4B catapults. Aircraft fuel stowage: 908 900 l. 

 SCB-27A modernization (CV9, 10, 12, 18, 20) (fd - ? m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 265.2 x 32.9 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 2 elevators in centreline (fore and aft, 20.9 t, 17.7 x 13.4 m) and 1 deck-edge elevator (20.9 t, 18.3 x 10.4 m) . There were 2 H 8 catapults. Aircraft fuel stowage: 1 143 900 l (petrol).

SCB-27A modernization (CV15, 18, 21, 33, 34, 39) (fd - ? m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 257.4 x 32.9 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 2 elevators in centreline (fore and aft, 20.9 t, 17.7 x 13.4 m) and 1 deck-edge elevator (20.9 t, 18.3 x 10.4 m) . There were 2 H 8 catapults. Aircraft fuel stowage: 1 143 900 l (petrol).

SCB-27C modernization  (CVA11, 14, 19) (fd - ? m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 262.7 x 32.9 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 1 lift in center line (20.9 t, 17.7 x 13.4 m) and 2 deck-edge lifts (fore, 20.9 t, 18.3 x 10.4 m, and aft, 25.8 t, 17.1 x 13.4 m) . There were 2 C 11 catapults. Aircraft fuel stowage: 1 792 700 l of jet fuel + 1 362 700 l petrol.

SCB-27C modernization (CVA16, 31, 38) (fd - ? m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 262.4 x 43.3 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 1 lift in center line (20.9 t, 21.3 x 13.4 m) and 2 deck-edge lifts (port, 20.9 t, 17.1 x 13.4 m, and starboard, 25.8 t, 17.1 x 13.4 m) . There were 2 C 11 catapults. Aircraft fuel stowage: 1 817 000 l of jet fuel + 1 362 700 l petrol.

SCB-125 and SCB-125A modernization (fd - ? m², ha - 4,247 m² / 22,723 m³): Flight deck: 262.4 x 43.3 m. Hangar: 199.4 x 21.3 x 5.35 m. There were 1 lift in center line (20.9 t, 17.7 x 13.4 m) and 2 deck-edge lifts (port, 20.9 t, 18.3 x 12.2 m, and starboard, 25.8 t, 17.1 x 13.4 m) . There were 2 H 8 (or C 11-1 on CVA34) catapults. Aircraft fuel stowage: 1 136 000 l.

 

Year

fighters

dive bombers, fighters-bombers

torpedo bombers, attackers

reconnaissance, early warning, ECM planes

ASW planes and helos

11.1943 Essex

36 F6F-3 Hellcat

36 SBD-5 Dauntless

18 TBF-1 Avenger

---

---

6.1944 Wasp

34 F6F-3 Hellcat, 5 F6F-3N Hellcat

32 SB2C Helldiver

18 TBF-1 Avenger

---

---

11.1944 Wasp

54 F6F-3/5 Hellcat

24 SB2C-3 Helldiver

15 TBM-1C Avenger

---

---

1.1945 Essex

27 F6F-3 Hellcat, 17 F6F-5 Hellcat

36 F4U-1D Corsair

18 TBM-1C Avenger

---

---

3.1945 Randolph

49 F6F-5 Hellcat, 4 F6F-5N Hellcat, 2 F6F-5E Hellcat

15 SB2C-4E Helldiver

15 TBM-3 Avenger

2 F6F-5P Hellcat

---

7.1945 Bon Homme Richard

37 F6F-5N Hellcat

---

18 TBM-3 Avenger

---

---

6.1950 Valley Forge

30 F9F-2B Panther

28 F4U-4B Corsair, 3 F4U-5N Corsair

14 AD-4 Skyraider, 2 AD-3N Skyraider

2 F4U-5P Corsair, 3 AD-4Q Skyraider, 1 AD-3Q Skyraider, 3 AD-5W Skyraider

2 HO3S-1 Chickasaw

1952 Oriskany

24 F9F Panther

16 F4U-4/F4U-5N Corsair

18 AD-3/AD-4N Skyraider

4 F2H-2P Banshee, 2 AD-3W Skyraider

---

1956 Wasp

4 F2H Banshee

---

---

4 AD-5W Skyraider

20 S2F Tracker, 10 HSS-1 Seabat

1960 Princeton

---

---

---

---

2 HR2S Mojave, 24 HUS Seahorse

1966 Intrepid

---

---

24 A-4B Skyhawk, 24 A-1H Skyraider

---

6 UH-2A/B Sea Sprite

1973 Oriskany

24 F-8J Crusader

---

36 A-7B Corsair

4 RF-8G Crusader, 4 E-1B Tracer, 3 EKA-3B Skywarrior

4 SH-3G Sea King

Project history: Most well-known USN aircraft carriers, brought the invaluable contribution to victory over Japan in days of the Second World War. The fact of building of 24 heavy aircraft carriers in very short period is really unique in history of world shipbuilding. Design of Essex was developed in 1939-1940 on the basis of design of CV5 Yorktown aircraft carrier and differed by increased dimensions, strengthened AA armament, improved horizontal protection, more powerful catapults, advanced machinery and a number of other innovations. Number of carried airplanes also grown, causing increase of aircraft magazines and petrol tanks capacity.

The sizes of flight deck of Essex and 8 more ships were 262.8õ32.9m, aircraft-carriers of the second group (CV14, 15, 19, 21, 32-40, 45-47) had hulls lengthened on 4.9 m, and flight decks shortened to 257.4m; it was been made for increase of elevation angles of bow and stern 40mm AA guns. Under the design each ship should carry three catapults: two on flight deck and one transverse in hangar. Really Essex was commissioned without the catapults, following ships with one deck and one hangar catapults (latter was mounted on six ships: CV10, 12-14, 17 and 18). By the end of 1943 all ships, both commissioned and built, had two deck catapults, all hangar catapults were removed.

Fitting of the deck-edge elevator which has been taken out the deck contour, became the important innovation. It increased hangar useful area, raised durability of a flight deck at the expense of liquidation of additional cuts in it, allowed ability to lift planes larger than the elevator size. Others two elevators were usual, in the centre-line. Horizontal protection of Essex, in comparison with the first Yorktown, has been significantly strengthened at the expense of thickening of hangar deck to 64mm. However, unlike British fleet carriers, flight deck remained unprotected. Deep of underwater protection was 5.1m. Propulsive plant of new carriers was arranged en echelon and has been unified with machinery of Atlanta class cruisers, representing as though doubled variant of the latter. As a whole machineries of all ships appeared quite successful: they differed by high reliability and could smoothly work at full speed for a long time. So, in November, 1945 Lake Champlain crossed Atlantic in four days and 9 hours with an average speed of 32.048kts. As result Essex class carriers were rather successful ships, frequently they were called as best carriers in a history. At the same time they possessed a number of lacks: weak flight deck, bad seaworthiness, bad ventilation of internal compartments, congestion of  inhabited volumes. In the absence of armoured flight deck these carriers suffered from kamikazes attacks, with large crews losses.

At the end of war it was appeared that Essexes could not support new jet planes. Incomplete Oriskany was suspended pending completion of new design and completed in 1950 under revised SCB-27A design, existing ships (CV9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 33, 39) were converted to SCB-27A later. SCB-27A design included strengthened flight deck, more powerful H-8 catapults, decreased number of 127mm guns, island superstructure reconstructed for better radar antenna coverage; hull was blistered (blisters were embed into the hull  up to the hangar deck level and were invisible outside).

SCB-27B conversion program was dropped and next conversion was to SCB-27C standard (CV11, 14, 16, 19, 31, 38): ships received slightly wider blisters, two new C-11 steam catapults, aft centreline elevator was relocated to aft starboard deck-edge position, arresting gears were improved. CV16, 31 and 38 received also angled decks and "hurricane bows".

Later CV11, 14 and 19 were brought up to SCB-125 standard (Oriskany to SCB-125A). Almost all SCB-27A ships (CV9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 33) were also given angled decks and enclosed bows. 15 ships were modernised, two carriers badly damaged late in the war (Franklin and Bunker Hill) were never reactivated. Antietam became test ship for the angled flight deck and then training carrier. Boxer, Princeton and Valley Forge became assault helicopter carriers with cargo stowed on former hangar deck. Ships had insufficient berthing spaces for carried troops and were not considered true LPH by the Marine Corps (for example, Princeton had accommodations ranging in capacity from 4 to 157 men, such division would destroy units cohesion).

Unmodernised ships were transferred to ASW duty and received CVS designation, later SCB-27As were also reduced to ASW service. Only CVA19, 31 and 34 were listed as attack carriers at the end of Vietnam War, CVA11 operated off Vietnam as "light" attack carrier.

Eight CVSs were modernised during FRAM program (CVS9-12, 15, 18, 20, 33), they received new bow sonar and improved ASW-adapted CIC.

Ship protection:  Main 38mm deck was connected with upper edge of 102-64mm armour belt, hangar deck had 64mm thickness. There was 5.1m deep underwater protection.

SCB-27A modernization:  Main 38mm deck was connected with upper edge of 37mm armour belt, hangar deck had 64mm thickness. There was 5.1m deep underwater protection.

SCB-27C modernization:  Main 38mm deck was connected with upper edge of 37mm armour belt, hangar deck had 64mm thickness. There was 5.1m deep underwater protection.

SCB-125, SCB-125A modernizations:  Main 38mm deck was connected with upper edge of 37mm armour belt, hangar deck had 64mm thickness. There was 5.1m deep underwater protection.

Modernizations:  To summer 1945, Essex: - SK, SC-2, 2x Mk 4 radars; + 3 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 15 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, SG-6, SK-2, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite, 2 flight deck catapults

To summer 1945, Yorktown, Intrepid: - SK, SC-2, SM radars, double athwartships catapult; + 9 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 15 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, SG-6, SK-2, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite, 1 flight deck catapult

To summer 1945, Hornet: - 11 x 1 - 20/70, SK, SC-2, SM radars, double athwartships catapult; + 2 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, SG-6, SK-2, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite, 1 flight deck catapult

To 1946, Franklin: - SC-2, SM radars, double athwartships catapult; + SG-6, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite, 1 flight deck catapult

To summer 1945, Ticonderoga: - 46 x 1 - 20/70, SC-2, SM radars; + 10 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 35 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, SG-6, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

To summer 1945, Randolph: - 1 x 1 - 20/70, SC-2, SM radars; + 8 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, SG-6, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

To summer 1945, Lexington: - 46 x 1 - 20/70, SK, SC-2, SM radars; + 9 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 30 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, 6 x 4 - 12.7/90, SG-6, SK-2, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite, 1 flight deck catapult

To summer 1945, Bunker Hill: - 46 x 1 - 20/70, SK, SC-2, SM radars, double athwartships catapult; + 9 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 35 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, SG-6, SK-2, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite, 1 flight deck catapult

To summer 1945, Wasp: - 46 x 1 - 20/70, SK, SC-2, SM radars, double athwartships catapult; + 9 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 29 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, 6 x 4 - 12.7/90, SG-6, SK-2, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite, 1 flight deck catapult

To summer 1945, Hancock: - SC-2, SM radars; + 10 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 13 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, SG-6, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

To summer 1945, Bennington: - SC-2, SM radars; + 8 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 3 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, SG-6, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

To summer 1945, Bon Homme Richard: - 1 x 1 - 20/70, SC-2, SM radars; + 7 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, SG-6, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

To summer 1945, Shangri La: - 50 x 1 - 20/70, SC-2, SM radars; + 1 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 53 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, SG-6, SR, SP, SX, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1945, many (temporarily): + SO-11 or APS-6A or SCR-720 radar

1/1946, CV9 Essex: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 11 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 61 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SG-6, SK-2, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2 x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV10 Yorktown, CV11 Intrepid: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 17 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 61 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SG-6, SK-2, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV12 Hornet: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 10 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 35 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SG-6, SK-2, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV13 Franklin: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 8 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 46 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV14 Ticonderoga: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 18 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 35 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV15 Randolph: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 18 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 56 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV16 Lexington: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 17 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 30 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 6 x 4 - 12.7/90, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SG-6, SK-2, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV17 Bunker Hill: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 17 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 35 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SG-6, SK-2, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV18 Wasp: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 17 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 29 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 6 x 4 - 12.7/90, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SG-6, SK-2, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV19 Hancock: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 18 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 59 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6, SP, SR, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV20 Bennington: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 18 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 60 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV21 Boxer: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 18 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 35 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV31 Bon Homme Richard: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 17 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 56 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV36 Antietam, CV37 Princeton, CV39 Lake Champlain, CV40 Tarawa: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 18 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 16 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 23 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6,, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1/1946, CV38 Shangri La: 4 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 11 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 53 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 7 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 catapults, 91 aircraft, SK-2, SG-6, (0 -1)x SP, SR, SX, 2x Mk 12.22, 2x Mk 29, 6x Mk 39, 9x Mk 28 radars, TDY ECM suite

1947, Valley Forge, Philippine Sea: + SPN-2, SPN-3 radars

9/1950, Oriskany (as commissioned); (9/1948-2/1951), Essex; (9/1948-9/1951), Wasp; (10/1950-11/1951), Bennington; (6/1950-3/1952), Kearsarge; (8/1950-9/1952), Lake Champlain;(5/1951-1/1953), Yorktown; (1/1952-7/1953), Randolph; (5/1951-10/1953), Hornet: were reconstructed under SCB-27A design. Flight deck was strengthened, superstructure rebuilt. Bulges were fitted. Data was as given in the table.

Data variant Oriskany and others SCB-27A modernization

Displacement standard, t

28404

Displacement full, t

40600

Length, m

249.7 wl 273.8 oa

Breadth, m

30.9 wl 46.3 oa

Draught, m

9.10

No of shafts

4

Machinery

4 sets Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 8 Babcock & Wilcox boilers

Power, h. p.

150000

Max speed, kts

30

Fuel, t

oil

Endurance, nm(kts) 15000 (15)

Armour, mm

belt: 37, hangar deck: 64, main deck: 38

Armament

CV9, 18, 20: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 14 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, F8F Bearcat, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F6U Pirate, F3D Skyknight fighters, AD Skyraider attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F6F-P Hellcat, F8F-P Bearcat, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger, AF Guardian ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw helicopters)

CVA10: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 14 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, F8F Bearcat, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F3D Skyknight, F9F Cougar fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F6F-P Hellcat, F8F-P Bearcat, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther, F9F-P Cougar reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger, AF Guardian ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S helicopters)

CVA12: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 14 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F7F Tigercat, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F3D Skyknight, F9F Cougar fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F8F-P Bearcat, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther, F9F-P Cougar reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger, AF Guardian ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S helicopters)

CVA15: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 14 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F3D Skyknight, F9F Cougar fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F6F-P Hellcat, F8F-P Bearcat, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther, F9F-P Cougar reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger, AF Guardian ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S helicopters)

CVA33: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 14 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, F8F Bearcat, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F6U Pirate, F3D Skyknight fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F6F-P Hellcat, F8F-P Bearcat, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger, AF Guardian ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S helicopters)

CV34: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 14 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, 16 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, F8F Bearcat, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F6U Pirate fighters, AD Skyraider, AM Mauler attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F6F-P Hellcat, F8F-P Bearcat, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider, AM-Q Mauler ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw helicopters)

CVA39: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 14 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, F8F Bearcat, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F3D Skyknight fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F6F-P Hellcat, F8F-P Bearcat, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger, AF Guardian ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S helicopters)

Sensors

CV9, 18, 20, 34: SPS-6, SR, SX, SPN-6, SPN-8, 4x Mk 25, 4x Mk 35 radars, SLR-2 ECM suite

CV10, 12, 15, 33, 39: SPS-6, SR, SPS-8, SPN-6, SPN-8, 4x Mk 25, 4x Mk 35 radars, SLR-2 ECM suite

Complement

2905

   

(12/1951-3/1954), Hancock; (4/1952-6/1954), Intrepid; (4/1952-10/1954), Ticonderoga; (7/1951-2/1955, SCB-27C+SCB-125), Shangri La; (9/1953-9/1955, SCB-27C+SCB-125), Lexington; (5/1952-11/1955, SCB-27C+SCB-125), Bon Homme Richard were reconstructed under SCB-27C design. Flight deck was strengthened, superstructure rebuilt. Bulges and steam catapults were fitted. Lexington, Bon Homme Richard and Shagri La received angled deck. Data was as given in the table.

Data variant SCB-27C modernization, CVA11, 14, 19

Displacement standard, t

29601

Displacement full, t

41944

Length, m

249.9 wl 273.8 oa

Breadth, m

31.5 wl 50.8 oa

Draught, m

9.02

No of shafts

4

Machinery

4 sets Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 8 Babcock & Wilcox boilers

Power, h. p.

150000

Max speed, kts

29.1

Fuel, t

oil

Endurance, nm(kts) 15000 (15)

Armour, mm

belt: 37, hangar deck: 64, main deck: 38

Armament

CVA11, 14: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 11 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F3D Skyknight, F9F Cougar, FJ Fury, F7U Cutlass fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider, AJ Savage attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther, AJ-P Savage, F9F-P Cougar, F7U-P Cutlass reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger, AF Guardian, S2F Tracker ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S helicopters)

CVA19: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 11 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F3D Skyknight, F9F Cougar, FJ Fury fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider, AJ Savage attackers, TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, F4U-P Corsair, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther, AJ-P Savage, F9F-P Cougar reconnaissance planes, TBM-3S Avenger, AF Guardian, S2F Tracker ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, TBM-3W Avenger, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, TBM-3R Avenger cargo planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S helicopters)

Sensors

SPS-12, SPS-8, SPS-10, 4x Mk 25, 4x Mk 35 radars, SLR-2 ECM suite

Complement

3545

 

Data variant SCB-27C modernization, CVA16, 31, 38

Displacement standard, t

30580

Displacement full, t

43060

Length, m

249.9 wl 272.6 oa

Breadth, m

31.4 wl 50.9 oa

Draught, m

9.20

No of shafts

4

Machinery

4 sets Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 8 Babcock & Wilcox boilers

Power, h. p.

150000

Max speed, kts

29.1

Fuel, t

oil

Endurance, nm(kts) 15000 (15)

Armour, mm

belt: 37, hangar deck: 64, main deck: 38

Armament

CVA16, 31: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 11 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F3D Skyknight, F9F Cougar, FJ Fury, F7U Cutlass fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider, AJ Savage attackers, F4U-P Corsair, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther, AJ-P Savage, F9F-P Cougar, F7U-P Cutlass reconnaissance planes, S2F Tracker ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S, HSS Seabat/HUS Seahorse helicopters)

CVA38: 8 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 11 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, circa 80 aircraft (F4U/FG Corsair, F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, F3D Skyknight, F9F Cougar, FJ Fury, F7U Cutlass fighters, AU Corsair, AD Skyraider, AJ Savage attackers, F4U-P Corsair, F2H-P Banshee, F9F-P Panther, AJ-P Savage, F9F-P Cougar, F7U-P Cutlass reconnaissance planes, AF Guardian, S2F Tracker ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, HUK Huskee, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S, HSS Seabat/HUS Seahorse helicopters)

Sensors

SPS-12, SPS-8, SPS-10, 4x Mk 25, 4x Mk 35 radars. SLR-2 ECM suite

Complement

3545

(9/1952-12/1952), Antietam; (7/1951-2/1955, SCB-27C+SCB-125), Shangri La; (6/1954-4/1955), Bennington; (9/1953-9/1955, SCB-27C+SCB-125), Lexington; (3/1955-10/1955), Yorktown; (5/1952-11/1955, SCB-27C+SCB-125), Bon Homme Richard; (3/1955-12/1955), Wasp; (7/1955-1/1956), Essex; (8/1955-2/1956), Randolph; (1/1956-8/1956), Hornet; (4/1956-11/1956), Hancock; (7/1956-1/1957), Kearsarge; (8/1956-4/1957), Ticonderoga; (9/1956-5/1957), Intrepid; (1/1957-5/1959), Oriskany: were reconstructed under SCB-125 design (Oriskany under SCB-125A with new C 11 catapults). Data was as given in the table

 

Data variant SCB-125 and SCB-125A modernization

Displacement standard, t

30800

Displacement full, t

41200

Length, m

251.3 wl 271.3 oa

Breadth, m

30.8 wl 59.7 oa

Draught, m

9.55

No of shafts

4

Machinery

4 sets Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 8 Babcock & Wilcox boilers

Power, h. p.

150000

Max speed, kts

30.3

Fuel, t

oil

Endurance, nm(kts) 15000 (15)

Armour, mm

belt: 37, hangar deck: 64, main deck: 38

Armament

4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, circa 80 aircraft (F2H Banshee, F9F Cougar, FJ Fury, F3H Demon, F4D Skyray, F11F Tiger, F8U Crusader fighters, AD Skyraider, AJ Savage, A4D Skyhawk attackers, F2H-P Banshee, AJ-P Savage, F9F-P Cougar, F3H-P Demon, F8U-P Crusader reconnaissance planes, S2F Tracker ASW planes, AD-Q Skyraider ECM planes, AD-W Skyraider early warning planes, HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S, HSS Seabat/HUS Seahorse helicopters)

Sensors

SPS-10, SPS-12, SPS-8, SR, 2x Mk 25, SPN-6, SPN-8, SPN-12 radars, SLR-2 ECM suite

Complement

3050

 

mid-1950s - 1960s, Lake Champlain: - 5 x 2 - 76/55, 2x Mk 35 radars

early 1960s, Essex, Yorktown, Intrepid, Hornet, Ticonderoga, Randolph, Lexington, Wasp, Hancock, Bennington, Bon Homme Richard, Kearsarge, Oriskany, Antietam, Shangri La: - SR, SPS-8, SPS-12, SPN-8 radars, SLR-2 ECM suite; + SPS-30, SPS-37, SPN-10 radars, WLR-1, ULQ-6 ECM suites

1960s - 1970s, Essex, Yorktown, Intrepid, Hornet, Randolph, Wasp, Bennington, Kearsarge: + SQS-23 sonar

1970s, Oriskany: - 2 x 1 - 127/38, Mk 25 radar

1970s, Intrepid, Hornet, Bennington, Bon Homme Richard, Oriskany, Shangri La: - SPN-6 radar; + SPN-43 radar

1970s, Hornet, Bennington, Bon Homme Richard: - SPS-37 radar; + SPS-43A radar

1980, Lexington: -SPS-30, SPS-37, SPN-10 radars; + SPN-35, SPN-43 radars

(1/1959-3/1959), Boxer; (3/1959-5/1959), Princeton; (3/1961-7/1961), Valley Forge: were rebuilt as helicopter carriers. Data was as given in the table

Data variant LPH conversion

Displacement standard, t

26669

Displacement full, t

34881

Length, m

250.0 wl 265.9 oa

Breadth, m

28.4 wl 45.0 oa

Draught, m

8.40

No of shafts

4

Machinery

4 sets Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 4 Babcock & Wilcox boilers

Power, h. p.

75000

Max speed, kts

25

Fuel, t

oil

Endurance, nm(kts) 15000 (15)

Armour, mm

belt: 102 - 64, hangar deck: 64, main deck: 38

Armament

2 x 2 - 127/38 Mk 32, 2 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 24, 30 - 40 helicopters (HUP, HO4S/HRS Chickasaw, HO5S, HUS Seahorse, HR2S Mojave)

Military load 1650 marines
Sensors

SPS-10, SPS-12, SPS-30 radars, WLR-1, ULQ-6 ECM suites

Complement

 

Naval service: 11.4.1945 Essex was damaged by kamikaze hit near to a port side and was under repair till June, 1945. Intrepid 17.2.1944 was damaged by Japanese air torpedo and returned to service in July, 1944; she was again 25.11.1944 badly damaged as a result of attack of two kamikazes and was under repair till February, 1945; next time she  was 16.4.1945 badly damaged by direct hit of kamikaze and one near miss of blown kamikaze and was under repair till August, 1945. Hornet was badly damaged 5.6.1945 during a storm and was under repair till the end of war. Franklin was damaged by kamikaze 30.10.1944, returned to service in January, 1945, was very badly damaged 19.3.1945 by two Japanese air bombs and was under repair till the end of war. Ticonderoga 21.1.1945 was damaged by hits of two kamikazes and repaired till May, 1945. Randolph 11.3.1945 was damaged by hit of kamikaze, her repair lasted to the early April, 1945. Lexington 4.12.1943 was damaged by Japanese air torpedo and returned to service in March, 1944. Bunker Hill 11.5.1945 was badly damaged by two kamikazes and was under repair till the end of war. Wasp 19.3.1945 was damaged by hit of Japanese air bomb, re-commissoned after repair in June, 1945.

Intrepid 1943

Lexington 1956

© Ivan Gogin, 2014-15