Unicorn (F72) (maintenance/light fleet carrier)
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Centaur class (light fleet carriers)
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Concept/Program: Originally planned as an aircraft depot/maintenance ship to support the Illustrious class carriers, but plans were altered to give the ship some ability to operate as an aircraft carrier. Ultimately she was employed both as a light fleet carrier and as a maintenance/support/transport ship.
Design: Similar to Ark Royal in some respects, especially the tall dual hangars. The hangars did not extend the full length of the ship, to allow for workshop space. There were provisions for hoisting in seaplanes. She was lightly armed and slow compared to contemporary fleet carriers.
Modifications: Several AA weapons were added at various times, but the exact details are unknown.
Operational: Operated as a combat carrier throughout WWII due to the shortage of carriers. During the Korean war she filled her originally intended role of transport, repair and support ship.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Could not serve as an effective carrier post-WWII. Placed in reserve immediately postwar and again after Korea, and eventually scrapped.
Fitted with 16 20 mm soon after (or possibly before) completion. Operated as an assault/light fleet carrier through 10/1943, then as a repair and resupply carrier, with periods as a training carrier. Various AA weapons were added during the war. Decommissioned to reserve 1/1946.
Recommissioned 1949 an aircraft transport for ferry service to the far east; designation changed to R72. Operated as a transport, repair and support ship, troopship and operational carrier during the Korean Conflict. Reclassified as a ferry carrier (A195) 6/1953. Decommisioned to reserve 17 November 1953. Approved for disposal 1958, sold 1959, scrapped at Troon starting in 1960.
Concept/Program: A mass-production carrier, between the fleet and escort types in capability, designed for rapid production in all shipyards, especially merchant yards and yards without recent carrier construction experience. New construction to this design was selected after consideration of several alternatives, including conversion of existing fast warship and/or merchant hulls. Most of these ships were completed too late to see significant WWII service, but many saw extensive postwar service in foreign navies.
Design: The design was kept simple and easy-to-build. Single hangar, no armor, light AA armament only; the ships used cruiser-type machinery.
Variations: Early ships completed with 20 mm guns, but later units had the more effective 40 mm instead. Two ships were completed as aircraft maintenance vessels, with no ability to operate aircraft. These ships were 26,265 tons full load.
Modifications: These ships underwent a variety of modifications during the postwar years, as detailed in the individual entries.
Operational: Several deployed to the Pacific late in the war but did not see significant combat operations. Postwar the ships were employed in a variety of roles: first-line combat carriers, trials ships of various sorts, training carriers, etc.
Departure from Service/Disposal: All of these ship left RN service (as carriers) prior to 1960. Several were sold for service in foreign navies (and some of these were extensively updated); one was converted as a repair ship and retained by RN. The ships which were not transferred to foreign nations or converted within RN were quickly scrapped.
RN designation changed to R61 circa 1945 for service in the Pacific; arrived in the Pacific too late to see combat. Returned home in 1946 and returned to original designation (15). Decommissioned for transfer 23 July 1946 immediately upon return to UK; loaned to France as Arromanches (R95) 6 Aug 1946.
Frequently deployed to Indo-China starting in 1949. Formally sold to France in 1951. Refitted in 1957-58: shallow angled deck added, catapult and all AA guns removed, outfitted as an ASW & training carrier. Starting in 1962 she embarked assault helicopters at times. Refitted in 1968 to serve primarily in the ASW role and redesignated as a helicopter carrier with 24 helicopters embarked. She was also tasked with intervention/assault, training, and fast military transport.
Decommissioned and stricken 22 Jan 1974; subsequently sold and scrapped at Toulon in 1978.
Served in the Mediterranean, then in the Pacific. RN designation changed to R64 circa 1945 for service in the Pacific; returned to previous designation postwar. Participated in cold-weather trials in the Arctic 1948-49; troop transport and aircraft ferry 1951-52. Designation changed to R71 under NATO designation system. Refitted early 1950's and loaned to Australia 13 November 1952 as HMAS Vengeance.
In Australian service she initially served as a training carrier, then a first-line carrier starting late 1953, then returned to training in 1954. Decommissioned and returned to RN 13 Aug 1955 and placed in reserve upon return.
Sold to Brazil 12 Dec 1956; underwent extensive refit at Rotterdam 6/1957-12/1960: angled deck added, new elevators installed, new island, all new aircraft operations and support equipment and electronics outfit; carried 10 40 mm guns. Recommissioned 6 December 1960 as Minas Gerais (A11). First operated as a strike/ASW carrier, then as an ASW-only ship.
Refitted 1976-1980 but laid up 1987 due to catapult problems. Refitted 1991-1993, recommissioned 10/1993; catapult repaired by 1996. During the 1990's operated only ASW helicopters, due to lack of suitable fixed-wing aircraft. Mistral SAM fitted to replace AA guns in 1994. Scheduled to serve through 2003.
RN designation changed to R63 circa 1945 for service in the Pacific; served in the Pacific immediately after WWII; returned to previous designation postwar. Decommissioned to reserve 30 March 1947. Sold to the Netherlands 1 April 1948; recommissioned 28 May 1948 as Karel Doorman (R81). Operated strike and fighter aircraft; carried 34 40 mm AA guns.
Initially operated strike and fighter aircraft. Reconstructed 1955-58 at Wilton Fijenoord with angled flight deck, new elevators, new island, new armament of 12 40 mm AA, new catapult, all new aviation facilities and electronics fitted; operated as combined ASW/strike carrier. Operated in ASW role only after the mid-1960's.
Damaged by boiler fire 26 April 1968 and deemed not worth repairing; placed in reserve pending disposal. Sold to Argentina 15 October 1968; refitted at Wilton Fijenoord with boilers and turbines from incomplete ex-sister HMS Leviathan. Commissioned as Veinticinco De Mayo 12 March 1969 but did not complete overhaul until 22 August 1969. Assigned designation V2 was not carried. Replaced former sister Independencia. Initially operated combined ASW and strike air wing.
Was in poor condition by the early 1980's; inoperable after 1985. A major refit, intended to include replacement of machinery with gas turbines, was started in 1988 but cancelled for economic reasons. Retained in nominal reserve through 1997. Towed away for scrapping at Alang, India, 1/1999.
Operated in the Pacific late in WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 1946. Designation changed to R76 under NATO designation system. Reclassified as ferry carrier (A198) 6/1953. Sold 9/1954 and scrapped at Inverkeithing.
RN designation changed to R62 circa 1945 for service in the Pacific but arrived in the Pacific too late to see combat; returned to previous designation postwar. Transported ex-POWs home immediately postwar. Designation again changed to R62 under NATO designation system.
Decommissioned for refit 10/1947, refitted at Devonport 2/1948-1949. Saw extensive service during the Korean conflict but never underwent significant updating. Served as a ferry carrier 8/1954. Decommissioned 1956, stricken for disposal 1957. Subsequently sold and scrapped at Inverkeithing starting late in 1961.
RN designation changed to R68 circa 1945 for service in the Pacific but never deployed; returned to previous designation postwar. Designation again changed to R68 under NATO designation system.
First carrier landing of a jet aircraft took place aboard this ship 3 December 1945. Served as a supply ship during Palestine crisis, and transport to Korea in 1949, saw Korean war service 1952-53. Became a training ship in 1954, then served as a troop and equipment transport in 1944, and as an emergency assault ship during the Suez Crisis in 1956. Returned to training 1957.
Decommissioned to reserve 5 Dec 1957, stricken for disposal 3/1958. Sold 1960 and scrapped at Faslane 6 May 1962 to 8/1962.
Saw limited service in the Pacific late in WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 5/1946. Designation changed to R51 under NATO designation system. Recommissioned as a trials ship for steam catapults in 1949.
Reclassifed as ferry carrier (A197) 6/1952; stripped of catapult, workshops and deckhouses. Decommissioned to reserve late 1954. Conversion to submarine depot ship started 1955, cancelled 1957. Stricken for disposal 1957, sold 1958, scrapped at Port Glasgow starting 6 May 1958.
Designation changed to R64 under NATO designation system. Initially operated as a training carrier, then deployed to Korea 1950-51. Served as training ship after 19 August 1954. Operated as an emergency assault ship during the Suez Crisis in 1956.
Decommissioned to reserve 21 Dec 1956. Stricken for disposal 3/1958, sold 29 Nov 1961 and scrapped at Inverkeithing starting 5/1962.
Designation changed to R16 under NATO designation system. Initially used as a trials and training carrier, then deployed for the Korean War during 1950. Served as a troopship during 1951. Used for angled deck trials 2/1952, then as a training ship after 9/1952. Decommissioned to reserve 1956.
Conversion to heavy repair ship started 12/1957, suspended 1960, restarted mid-1962, completed 7 Jan 1965; designated A108. All aviation facilties removed, hangar deck converted to repair shops, numerous heavy cranes fitted, etc. Small helicopter deck retained forward. Operated in the Far East until 1972; refitted 3/1972 to 12/1975, placed in reserve upon completion of refit. Stricken and sold in 1981 and subsequently scrapped in Spain.
Fitted for rubberized flight deck trials 1948-1949. Decommissioned to reserve 9/1949 but returned to service 6/1950 as a troop transport to Korea. Refit at Devonport Dockyard 3/1952 to 8 Sept 1953. Major refit 14 Dec 1954 to 21 Aug 1956 included fitting of a minimal angled deck for trials purposes.
Decommissioned 2/1958, offered for sale 3/1958, sold to Argentina 4 July 1958. Renamed Independencia 24 July 1958, transferred 4 November 1958, commissioned 8 July 1959. Assigned designation V1 was not carried. Decommissioned to reserve 1970, having been replaced by ex-HMS Venerable. Sold 17 March 1971 and subsequently scrapped.
Concept/Program: Originally ordered as Colossus class, but changed to a modified design, incorporating various improvements. These ships were suspended at the end of WWII, and none ever commissioned in the RN. Construction work was not resumed until the ships were sold to foreign navies; eventually two ships were completed to a slightly modified version of the original design, three to an extensively modified design, and one was scrapped incomplete.
Design: Same as Colossus except a strengthened flight deck, improved subdivision and improved armament were fitted.
Variations: Because these ships were completed for several different navies and over a span of many years, no two were identical. Full details of each ship will be found with the navy which commissioned the ship.
Modernization: All were modernized prior to completion. The first two ships to be completed had been nearly complete when suspended, and were commissioned only as a temporary measure pending the availability of more extensively modernized ships of this class. Changes in these two ships were limited to incremental improvements, reduction of light AA, etc.
Three ships were extensively reconstructed prior to completion; all work on these ships was done at Harland & Wolff. The modernization included a complete general updating, fitting of angled flight decks, etc. The details of the ships varied, since they were completed over a span of several years and to the requirements of several navies. The general specifications were as follows:
Displacement: 20,000 tons full load
Dimensions: 630 x 80 x 24-25 feet/192 x 24.4 x 7.3-7.6 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 695 x ?? x 24-25 feet/211.8 x ?? x 7.3-7.6 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 40,000 hp, 25 knots
Crew: 1350-1400
Armor: none
Armament: varied
Aircraft: about 20
Operated as a light fleet carrier. Major refit 12/1951 to 4/1952. Reclassified as a ferry carrier (RML 21) in 1954 but continued regular operations. Last regular flight operations completed 10 October 1956, then outfitted as an emergency troopship for deployment to Suez. Decommissioned and returned to RN 14 June 1957; replaced by HMCS Bonaventure. Given designation R36 upon return and immediately placed in reserve.
Stricken for disposal 1961, sold 7/1965 and scrapped as Faslane.
Operated as light fleet carrier. Saw extensive service during the Korean war. Major modernization scheduled for 1954 cancelled. Replaced by Melbourne; served as training carrier after 1957. Placed in reserve 1958; modified as a fast military transport 1961-62 for ferry service to Vietnam; armament was reduced, aircraft facilities removed, heavy cranes fitted, redesignated A214.
Decommissioned 1973. Sold 30 October 1975 and scrapped in South Korea.
Initial gun armament was 12 40 mm AA. Operatd as a light fleet carrier, replacing Sydney; embarked ASW helicopters in 1963. Rammed and sank destroyer HMAS Voyager 10 Feb 1964. Refitted 22 Nov 1967 to 24 Nov 1968 and embarked additional ASW assets. Rammed and sank destroyer USS Frank E. Evans 2 June 1969. Flight deck strengthened and catapult rebuilt in 1971. Starting in 1972 she carried primarily an ASW air group, with a small light strike force. Refitted 11/1972 to 7/1973, again in 1976 for service through 1985.
Laid up in contingent reserve 30 June 1982. Sold in 1985, for scrapping in China. Reportedly still in existence in 1994 at Guangzhou, China, being studied by Chinese naval architects.
Initial gun armament was 4 dual 3/50 AA (8 40 mm AA may have been carried briefly); dimensions were 704 x 80 x 25 feet/214.5 x 24.3 x 7.6 meters. Operated as a light fleet carrier. Designation changed to RRSM 22 in 1957, later to CVL 22. Operated as an ASW carrier after 9/1962. Major mid-life refit 3/1966 to 1 September 1967.
Flight operations ended 12/1969; decommissioned 1 July 1970. Sold and scrapped in Taiwan starting 3/1971.
Design as completed was very similar to HMCS Bonaventure; initial gun armament was 15 40 mm AA. Operated as a light fleet carrier. Saw combat against Pakistani forces. Major refits 1979-1982, 1986-1987, 1987-1988; effectively out of service by the early 1990's due to poor condition. Proposed conversion to an assault ship not carried out. Formally decommissioned 31 January 1997. To be preserved as a museum at Bombay.
Never completed; stripped of parts to maintain her sisterships. Turbines and boilers were installed in ex-HMS Venerable after that ship was sold for foreign service. Hulk used as an accomodations ship. Scrapped as Faslane starting 5/1968.
Revised Design
Displacement: 27,000 tons full load
Dimensions: 650 x 90 x 27 feet/198 x 27.4 x 8.2 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 737 x 123 x 27 feet/224.6 x 37.4 x 8.2 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 76,000 shp, 28 knots
Crew: about 1100 + 300 air group
Armor: 1-2 inch decks
Armament: 2 6-barrel, 8 dual, 4 single 40 mm AA
Aircraft: 26
Concept/Program: A group of 8 "intermediate" fleet carriers ordered in 1943. Conceived as an improved version of the Colossus design, with higher speed (doubled machinery), improved protection and general improvements and enlargements. At the end of WWII four ships were cancelled, and the other four were delayed pending design revisions. All were nearly cancelled and scrapped, but three were completed to a slightly modified design (but still axial deck; specs above) as an interim carrier force, pending completion of new and heavily reconstructed ships fully capable of operarting modern jets. The fourth was completed to an extensively modernized, enlarged and improved design; she is dealt with separately.
Design: Three ships were to be completed to the design above, but only the first ship commissioned in exactly this form; the other two had a minimal angled deck added during construction. The first ship was updated to this configuration. The addition of an angled deck lead to slight reductions in AA guns.
Variations: Hermes completed to an entirely different design, and saw much longer service. She can be considered as an entirely separate class in many respects.
Modifications: Fitted with steam catapults in 1956-57.
Departure from Service/Disposal: The first three ships were rendered obsolete by the late 1950's, more capable ships had been completed, and there was a need for assault ships, so they converted to the "commando carrier" role. In this role their catapults and arresting gear were removed, 16 assault helicopters were carried, berthing for 700-900 troops and vehicle/equipment storage space were provided; displacement was 27,300 tons with 8 40 mm AA, crew of 1037. Following conversion they could operate as ASW carriers (helo only) on an interim basis.
Operated mostly in the Mediterranean and Far East. Limited modernization 5/1956 to 9/1958. Planned conversion as 3rd commando carrier cancelled. Decommissioned 12/1965 and hulked as an accommodations ship, mostly for crews of carriers in overhaul. Stricken for disposal 1971. Sold 11 Aug 1972 and subsequently scrapped.
Operated at Suez and extensively in the Far East. Converted to commando carrier at Devonport Dockyard 1/1961 to 8/1962; troop capacity was 900.
Replaced by Hermes. Decommissioned 2 March 1973. Sold 22 Oct 1973 for conversion to a heavy-lift ship for service in the North Sea oilfields, but conversion was cancelled and the ship was scrapped at Faslane starting 11/1973.
Operated as trials & training carrier, then in the Mediterranean during the Suez crisis. Converted to commando carrier at Devonport Dockyard 1/1959-23 Jan 1960. Troop capacity was originally 700; upgraded to 900 in 1963.
Laid up in contingent reserve 5/1976. Designated as a reserve ASW carrier in 1976; conversion to ASW carrier started 20 March 1978, completed and recommissioned 23 Feb 1979. One boiler room destroyed by fire 15 March 1980; not repaired.
Decommissioned for disposal 4/1981. Scrapped at Cairn Ryan starting 4/1984.
Initially operated as a light fleet carrier. Refitted 24 Feb 1964-5/1966 with 40mm removed and 2 quad Sea Cat SAM launchers fitted. Was obsolete by the late 1960's due to small size and was decommissioned to reserve 14 July 1970. Converted to a commando carrier at Devenport Dockyard 1 March 1971 to 18 Aug 1973, replacing Albion; had accommodations for 750 troops.
Converted to ASW carrier 10 May 1976 to 10 Dec 1976, then replaced in ASW role by Bulwark and converted to VSTOL (Harrier) carrier.
Had been scheduled for decommissioning, but retained for Falklands service. Decommissioned to reserve 12 April 1984, stricken for disposal 1 July 1985. Sold to India 19 April 1986, refitted prior to transfer, commissioned 12 May 1987 as INS Viraat (R22), formally recommissioned in India 15 Feb 1989. Has undergone minor armament modifications in Indian service. Will require replacement by 2005.
14 Arrogant Assinged to Swan Hunter. Cancelled 10/1945.
95 Hermes Assigned to Cammell Laird. Cancelled 10/1945.
96 Monmouth Assigned to Fairfield. Cancelled 10/1945.
57 Polyphemus Assigned to Devonport Dockyard. Cancelled 10/1945.
Concept/Program: A totally new design and new concept, meant to avoid political and economic costs and problems of full-size aircraft carriers. These ships were initially meant as ASW-only vessels to operate in NATO ASW groups for service in the North Atlantic, as replacements for the Tiger class cruisers which had been converted to major ASW vessels. They were designed to operate VSTOL aircraft for defensive purposes, making them very versatile shisp; they have served in many roles worldwide. Originally classed as "through deck cruisers" for political reasons, they are now known as VSTOL or ASW carriers. Just prior to the Falklands crisis the entire program was in danger; the first ship had been offered for sale to Australia, and the 3rd would have been cancelled.
Design: A relatively "bulky" hull, allowing space for the extensive command facilites needed in the role of ASW group flagship. Large starboard-side island, full-length axial flight deck on the port side, with "ski jump" at the bow. Full hangar. Gas turbine propulsion. Originally planned to carry Exocet on the bow, to the starboard side of the skijump, but the missiles were replaced by additional aircraft parking space.
Variations: There are minor variations in the close-in armament, angle of the skijump, etc.
Modifications: Each ship has undergone a major refit, updating each to the latest standards. The skijump angle has been increased to 15 degrees in all. The Sea Dart launcher has been removed to allow additional aircraft parking space.
Operational: Can operate as ASW ships (with Harriers in a defensive role), or as light fleet/strike carriers with the Harriers in an offensive/strike or fleet defense (interceptor) role. Have seen extensive service worldwide. Normally one is deployed, one in maintenance/training, and one in major overhaul.
Sale to Australia cancelled due to the Falklands war. Saw extensive combat in the Falklands. Major refit & modernizaton 5/1986 to 18 May 1989. Major refit and removal of the Sea Dart launcher completed 3/2000.
Ship was rushed to completion for Falklands service; final completion was not until 5/1983. Laid up pending refit 30 June 1989; major refit & modernization 1 July 1991 to 5/1994. Sea Dart launcher removed mid-1998.
Decommissioned to reserve 11/1994 pending refit; major refit & modernization at Rosyth 5/1999 through 2001.
