Wasp Characteristics:

Small carrier meant to use the remaining carrier tonnage allowed under Treaty restrictions. Replaced USS Langley in the carrier force.  The design was based on a scaled-down Yorktown, but was not a satisfactory design; had even less underwater protection than the Yorktown class.

TYPE:  light fleet aircraft carrier

DISPLACEMENT: 19,116 Tons (fully loaded)

DIMENSIONS: 688 x 80.75 x 20 feet

EXTREME DIMENSIONS: 741.25 x 80.75 x 20 feet

PROPULSION: Steam turbines, 2 propellor shafts, 75,000 shaft horse power

MAXIMUM SPEED: 29.5 knots

CREW: 1,800

SHIP ARMOR: None

ARMAMENT: 8 single 5/38 DP, 16 each 1.1 inch Anti-Aircraft guns, 24 each .50 caliber Anti-Aircarft guns

AIRCRAFT ASSIGNED: 84 (initially)

AIRCRAFT TYPES ASSIGNED:  Grumman F3F (Biplane fighter);  Vultee Vindicator; TBD Devestator (Torpedo bomber); Douglas SBD Dauntless (Torpedo bomber); Grumman F4F "Wildcat" (Fighter); Grumman TBF "Avenger" (Torpedo bomber)