Light aircraft carrier - Definition and Overview

A light aircraft carrier is an aircraft carrier that is smaller than the standard carriers of a navy. The precise definition of the type varies by country, typically having a capacity of 1/2 to 2/3 of the aircraft of a full-sized carrier.

In World War II, the United States Navy produced a number of light carriers by converting cruiser hulls.

Argentinean Navy

• ARA Independencia - one ship (ex-Colossus-class)
• ARA Vienticino de Mayo - one ship (ex-Colossus-class)

Brazilian Navy

• NAeL Minas Gerais - one ship (ex-Colossus-class)
• NAeL Sao Paulo - one ship (ex-Clemenceau-class)

French Navy

• Lafeyette-class - two ships (ex-Independence-class)
• FS Arromanches - one ship (ex-Colossus-class)

Indian Navy

• INS Vikrant - one ship (ex-Majestic-class)

Royal Navy

• Hermes-class - four ships
• Colossus-class - eight ships
• Majestic-Class - five ships

Royal Australia Navy

• HMAS Sydney - one ship (ex-Majestic-class)
• HMAS Vengeance - one ship (ex-Colossus-class)
• HMAS Melbourne - one ship (ex-Majestic-class)

Royal Canadian Navy

• HMCS Warrior - one ship (ex-Colossus-class)
• HMCS Magnificent - one ship (ex-Majestic-class)
• HMCS Bonaventure - one ship (ex-Majestic-class)

Royal Netherlands Navy

• HMNLS Karel Doorman II - one ship (ex-Colossus-class)

United States Navy

• Independence-class - nine ships
• Saipan-class - two ships