The two Cerberus cruiser hulls that had been postponed on the outbreak of war, were very quickly recast as light carriers, when the first six months of the war showed how useful the aircraft carrier was. The two hulls were required to be bulged to balance the topweight of the flight deck. No heavy AA were fitted and the only armament fitted were the radar controlled 40mm in quad and twin turrets (2x4 6x2). Only 20-24 aircraft (depending on size and type) could be fitted in the hangar, while a deck park of half a dozen extra aircraft could be accommodated when necessary.
The original propulsion system at 80,000shp, pushed the cruisers along at 32 knots. With all the additional displacement of the carrier conversion the two ships made 30-31 knots depending on what day of the week it was.
Displacement: 12,450 tons standard, 16,200 tons full load.
Dimensions: 629 x 85 x 22 feet
Machinery: 4 shaft, geared turbines, 80,000shp
Speed: 30 knots
Endurance: 8,000 miles at 15 knots.
Armour: 5" belt, 3" deck.
Armament:
20 x 40mm (2x4, 6x2)
Aircraft: 24-30
Crew: 750