Flight Deck Cruisers | German Naval History

A compromise without a mission

Carriers and raiders in one hull

In 1942 the naval construction department examined ships able to provide air cover while remaining capable of conventional commerce warfare.

Four battleship-sized Project A studies carried heavy guns and substantial protection. Two smaller Project E studies used cruiser armament and protection. None approached construction.

Project A

Grossflugzeugkreuzer A II

A 40,000-ton hybrid combining a shortened flight deck and 24 aircraft with heavy cruiser guns for independent commerce warfare.Explore design →

Project A

Grossflugzeugkreuzer A III

The largest hybrid study paired six 28 cm guns with 32 aircraft on a 70,000-ton hull intended for long-range operations.Explore design →

Project A

Grossflugzeugkreuzer A IV

A 70,000-ton aircraft-and-artillery hybrid carrying four 28 cm guns and 32 aircraft at a projected speed of 34 knots.Explore design →

Project A

Grossflugzeugkreuzer A IIa

A revised 40,000-ton Project A design armed with six 28 cm guns and intended to operate 23 aircraft at 34 knots.Explore design →

Project E

Flugdeckkreuzer E IV

A cruiser-sized hybrid combining four 15 cm guns with ten aircraft on a fast 12,750-ton hull.Explore design →

Project E

Flugdeckkreuzer E V

The larger Project E study increased displacement and armament while retaining a compact air group and cruiser-like protection.Explore design →