Here's a bit of trivia for you. In Buffalo harbor there is a derelict powered barge awaiting its final fate. Launched in about 1912, it is the sister ship of the SS Seeandbee and the Greater Buffalo. These ships carried the Great Lakes passenger trade from launching until the late 1930s, when they were decomissioned. In 1939, the Seeandbee and the Greater Buffalo were purchased by the navy for conversion and use as training aircraft carriers. Okay, so what is so unusual about this? They were the only paddle-wheel carriers ever used! Just thought I'd pass this along.....
WWII Aircraft Carriers
Dec 12, 2007
9 Replies
how do you turn a paddle-wheel carrier into the wind ? Flank speed is what, 3 knots? :-)
Craig
formatting link
uss wolverine (ix-64) and sable (ix-81)
18 knots...on a calm day, not enough wind over deck for operations
You had to wait for a hurricane. :-)
USS Sable and USS Wolverine:
formatting link
could do 18 knots (!)
Pat
7-9 on some. they go a lot faster than you would think. there is a complex formula based on paddle, diameter, power, gearing, and even water density. thos steamboat races weren't no 3 knots.
far faster than i thought.
or the november witch.
how do you turn a paddle-wheel carrier into the wind ? Flank speed is
Craig, This wasn't exactly Fast Carrier Deck Operations. You landed, taxied to the back of the deck and took off. You had the whole deck. They didn't have capability to land a squadron and then refuel them. You came and went on what you brought with you. Six landings and take-offs and you were on your way to the fleet. I've seen models - lots of underdeck open wood work - fairly complicated - something like the Langley. Problem is you end up with one airplane somewhere on an otherwise empty deck.
Would probably make a nice alternate history diorama - deck loaded with biplanes and an old four stack destroyer as escort, maybe both in splinter dazzle camo.
Val Kraut
willshak wrote: : : You had to wait for a hurricane. :-) : HA! If any clouds appeared, I expect the capitans were only thinking of making port. Still, it would make a nice model, if only to flag the fleet admirals' flag from one of them!
Bruce
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required