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Description

Sylvania was always a bit...unorthdox when it came to her navy. Mostly consisting of coastal vessels like monitors and mine layers, their admirality had to be clever when they wanted a high-sea-going navy, able to pose a threat to enemy lines of communications.

The Dunkelstadt-class was designed as a fleet of six tankers to support their fleet, ostensably to keep the larger monitors on station for en extensive period in case of conflict. They were, however, quite flexible in their design and large areas, which were stated to be "Maintenance Facilities" where in fact small hangars to hold some aircraft. The ships were given a flat, reinforced deck and the bridge was located on the right side.

No one in the admirality thought of these vessels as true carriers, but they would provide additional air-defense, patrol and anti-submarine duties. Most important, they would provide the needed experience before they would build a real carrier, which, of course, was never realized.

These vessels proved to be versatile assets, indeed. Sturdy and easy to handle, they were equipped with bulges during the war to provide better stability. Constantly up-armed, all six were relegated into convoy service between the Imperium and sylvanian colonies, providing escort service to the transports.
Only able to launch light aircraft, they operated small, maneuverable fighters and biplane bombers, which were useful for anti-submarine work, but provided no real offensive power. Fourteen aircraft were carried, usually nine fighters and five bombers.

Description

Sylvania was always a bit...unorthdox when it came to her navy. Mostly consisting of coastal vessels like monitors and mine layers, their admirality had to be clever when they wanted a high-sea-going navy, able to pose a threat to enemy lines of communications.

The Dunkelstadt-class was designed as a fleet of six tankers to support their fleet, ostensably to keep the larger monitors on station for en extensive period in case of conflict. They were, however, quite flexible in their design and large areas, which were stated to be "Maintenance Facilities" where in fact small hangars to hold some aircraft. The ships were given a flat, reinforced deck and the bridge was located on the right side.

No one in the admirality thought of these vessels as true carriers, but they would provide additional air-defense, patrol and anti-submarine duties. Most important, they would provide the needed experience before they would build a real carrier, which, of course, was never realized.

These vessels proved to be versatile assets, indeed. Sturdy and easy to handle, they were equipped with bulges during the war to provide better stability. Constantly up-armed, all six were relegated into convoy service between the Imperium and sylvanian colonies, providing escort service to the transports.
Only able to launch light aircraft, they operated small, maneuverable fighters and biplane bombers, which were useful for anti-submarine work, but provided no real offensive power. Fourteen aircraft were carried, usually nine fighters and five bombers.