Allied Warships

Aircraft carriers

Unicorn class

1 ship


The aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (D 72) of the Royal Navy.

Technical information

TypeAircraft carrier
Displacement14750 BRT 
Length646 feet (oa) 
Complement1200 men 
Armament

8 4" AA guns (4x2)
16 2pdr AA (4x4)
16 20mm AA
35 aircraft 

Max speed24 knots
EnginesGeared turbines, 2 shafts 
Power40000 HP 
Notes on class

Planned as an aircraft depot/maintenance ship to support the new Illustrious-class fleet aircraft carriers, but plans were altered to give the ship some ability to operate as an aircraft carrier of her own. After completion she was employed as a light fleet carrier but later in the war reverted to a maintenance/support/transport ship.

 


All ships of the Unicorn class


Royal Navy Royal Navy (more on Royal Navy)

HMS Unicorn (D 72)


1 Aircraft carrier of the Unicorn class.

Full wartime service history on this vessel.

See all Aircraft carrier classes.


Books dealing with this subject include:



Return to the Allied Warships section