British Illustrious-class Aircraft Carrier

The British Illustrious class emphasized an armored flight deck and protected hangar arrangements, reflecting Royal Navy concerns about operations within range of land-based aircraft. Ships of the class served in the Mediterranean and later the Indian and Pacific oceans. Their aviation capacity and protection represented different design priorities from contemporary American fleet carriers.

Illustrious entered service in 1940 and launched the Fleet Air Arm attack on Taranto that November. Bomb damage sustained in the Mediterranean tested the class’s protection and repair arrangements. Other members supported operations including the Madagascar campaign and later strikes against Japanese-held territory. Armored construction imposed weight and space trade-offs, affecting the balance between aircraft capacity and survivability. Wartime refits and differences among ships changed their aviation arrangements, creating different aircraft capacities at different stages of their careers.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in Global War 1936, Global Empires, Global War 1946, Global War 1985, and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

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