Laid down in 1940, the four ships of the class completed, one in 1943, two in 1944, one in 1945. They were the first Atlantean carriers to operate the new generation of jet bombers and fighters. Where the Hawk Class had been converted from heavy cruiser hulls, the Sword class was converted from high speed oiler hulls that were under construction. To get the speed up to fleet speeds, new cruiser type propulsion systems were constructed and fitted into the hulls. For ships of their type they were very heavily armed.
Displacement: 14,500 tons standard, 18,700 tons full load
Dimensions: 660 x 85 x 25 feet
Machinery: 2 shaft, Geared turbines, 70,000shp.
Speed: 28 knots
Endurance: 8,000 miles at 15 knots.
Armour: 2" box around propulsion and magazine spaces.
Armament:
8 x 4" (4x2)
24 x 40mm (12x2)
Aircraft: 28-34
Crew: 820