Intended to offset expected wartime losses of the smaller Independence class light carriers, the two ships of the Saipan class were designed from the keel up as aircraft carriers, with many improvements based on experience with the Independence class.
The Saipan class was based on the hull and machinery of the 13,600 ton Baltimore class heavy cruiser hull rather than the smaller Cleveland class light cruiser upon which the Independence class was built, allowing better seakeeping, improved hull subdivision, enhanced protection, greater magazine volume, a stronger flight deck, an expanded air group and a slightly higher speed than in the Independence class. Compared to their heavy cruiser half-sisters, they were eight feet wider in beam to accommodate the size and weight of the hangar and flight deck.
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | New York Shipbuilding Corporation |
| Operators: |  United States Navy |
| Preceded by: | Independence class aircraft carrier |
| Succeeded by: | None |
| Built: | 1944 |
| In commission: | 1946–1970 |
| Completed: | 2 |
| Retired: | 2 |
| Preserved: | 0 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Light aircraft carrier |
| Displacement: | 14,500 (standard) 19,000 tons (full load) |
| Length: | 684.6 ft (208.7 m) |
| Beam: | 76.8 ft (23.4 m) (waterline) 115 ft (35 m) (overall) |
| Draft: | 28 ft (8.5 m) |
| Propulsion: | geared steam turbines producing 120,000 horsepower turning four propellers |
| Speed: | 33 knots (61 km/h) |
| Complement: | 1,700+ officers and men |
| Armament: | 42 × Bofors 40 mm guns (5 quad, 11 dual mountings) 16 dual 20 mm AA |
| Aircraft carried: | Planned complement of 42 aircraft:
|
