What would happen if the US lost the battle of Midway?

A defeat at Midway would have forced a reallocation of industrial production and warships. This would have left key allies, Australia and the Soviet Union, in an impossible position. The U.S. would have had towering production by 1943 or 1944. But the Soviets would not be there anymore.

What if Shokaku and Zuikaku were at Midway?

Shokaku and Zuikaku likely would have sunk, putting the Japanese farther behind in carriers after Midway. That might have shortened the Pacific war. Conversely, a Japanese first strike would have been disastrous for the United States and Australia.

How many planes could a ww2 carrier hold?

World War II fleet carriers typically displaced 20,000 to 35,000 tons and could sail at 30 to 35 knots. Japanese and American fleet carriers were typically capable of carrying 50 to 90 aircraft into combat.

What would have happened if the Japanese won the Battle of Midway?

One logical conclusion is that Midway would have fallen to the Japanese; although heavily defended, the island would have been surrounded. With the U.S. carriers gone, the Japanese would have had aerial dominance, allowing Imperial warships and aircraft to bomb the defenders at will.

What if aircraft carriers were at Pearl Harbor?

The massive fleet of carriers that the United States built by 1944 would have overwhelmed the prewar Imperial Japanese Navy, even without the losses at Coral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal. U.S. superiority in training and in aircraft would have ground the Japanese down, slowly but surely.

What is the importance of aircraft carriers?

Why were aircraft carriers so important? Aircraft carriers were like floating islands. They allowed for planes to take off and land from anywhere in the ocean. This changed the way battles were fought forever.

How big was the IJN Ryujo?

The result of this thinking was IJN Ryujo (4) officially designated as displacing 8,000 tons standard. It was laid down in 1929 as a flush-deck carrier with a starboard trunked exhaust. (picture 1 above, and 2, 3 below) It had no armour nor heavy 8” guns, and its single hangar could accommodate 24 aircraft.

What happened at Midway on 4 June 1942?

Bombed by US aircraft at Midway 4 June 1942; munitions and fuel exploded on the flight deck and hangar deck, leading to uncontrollable fires; ship was scuttled 5 June 1942. [Back To Top] Amagi (a mountain)

What happened to the Japenese aircraft carriers?

Aircraft arrangements were improved and there were general updates throughout. Operational: Generally operated with semi-sister Kaga. Saw extensive service as one of the primary Japanese carriers prior to and during WWII. Departure from Service/Disposal: Lost at Midway.

How many aircraft carriers did the Japanese have on Guadalcanal?

With a force of 58 ships, including three carriers and eight battleships, the Japanese attempt to reinforce Guadalcanal. Planes from Saratoga sink the Japanese light carrier Ryujo, damage seaplane carrier Chitose, and destroy 90 enemy planes causing that force to withdraw. 1 Sept42.