Aquila Class Aircraft Carrier
The Aquila. Courtesy C.T. Burke via British Ministry of Defence
Once Italy realized the importance of airpower in the sea, the construction of the Aquila took place. The Aquila was 1 of 3 planned aircraft carriers for the Italian navy. The Aquila was to hold up to 53 Reggiane Re 2001 aircraft. Construction began in 1942 by modifying the ocean liner “Roma”. In 1943, Italian frogmen partially scuttled the ship to prevent it from getting into German hands. It was then salvaged, but scuttled by the Germans in 1945. In 1946 the Aquila was salvaged but to only to be towed for scrap metal. It never entered service for the Italian Navy.
Specifications
| Length | 680′ |
|---|---|
| Flight Deck Length | 759′ |
| Speed | 30 Knots |
| Beam | 96.5′ |
| Draft | 23′ |
| Main Guns | 8 x 5.3″/45 cal |
| Secondary Guns | Heavy AA 12 x 65mm/64 cal |
| Aircraft | 53 |
| Weight | 28,500 full load |
| Horsepower | 148,000 |
| Compliment | 1,000-1,300 |
| Shafts | 4 |
| Construction Period | 1942-1945 |
Special thanks to warships1 for specifications on the Aquila.
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To bad it was never used it would have been the best.