Comments by "" (@RedXlV) on "The Drydock - Episode 137" video.

  1. Regarding Imperator Nikolai I as an aircraft carrier conversion, there was consideration in 1924 of converting both the incomplete battlecruiser Izmail and the damaged Gangut-class Frunze (ex-Poltava). Izmail would be very obviously the most suitable of these hulls, Nikolai is roughly the same size as Frunze (though considerably heavier given the thicker armor) and thus would've been similarly workable for a conversion. Apparently, the reason she wasn't considered for the purpose is that she'd been neglected for several years and was even more dilapidated than the fire-ravaged Frunze. Though as a Gangut, Frunze would probably be a better choice on account of being a couple of knots faster even before you consider the benefits of removing the heavy armor and possibly installing newer machinery. Bottom line, Nikolai could've been used as the basis for a solid 1st-generation aircraft carrier, but the Red Navy had better prospects they could've used.
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