RN Aquila – Italy's Promising, But Doomed, Carrier

The Italian Navy is not the first one you look to, when asked about aircraft carriers. Garibaldi and Cavour are decent enough, within the constraints of their size. Quite good, even. But, beyond that, the Italians haven't really been at the forefront here. In fact, their one attempt at a proper fleet carrier during WW2 was never completed. That ship, Aquila, was a conversion of an ocean liner. And was, at bare minimum, at least as good as the Hiyo-class conversions in Japan. At least, in theory. Unfortunately for Aquila, Italian industrial limitations would prevent her completion. The ship would languish in dock, before ultimately being scrapped. That doesn't mean her story isn't worth a look, though. Further Reading: www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Carrier-Impero-Davide-Jabe… www.amazon.com/Mussolinis-Navy-Reference-Marina-19… comandosupremo.com/development-of-italian-aircraft… comandosupremo.com/italian-aircraft-carriers/

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