Omaha Class Questions

[NormS3]

I was looking for any information and possibly sides and shils for the possible variants of the Omaha Class CL?

There are various mentions a 2 gun (1x1) 14 inch monitor and a 8 gun (4x2) 6 inch at different sites on the net.

thanks

[John 3rd]

I have Omaha with a CLAA variant as and I THINK as a CVL...

Am sure of the CLAA not so much the other...

[NormS3]

I appreciate the reply and offer. However I found those shils/sides when I was searching. My apologies for not advising of that.

I was and am definitely interested in the variants, especially since my readings suggest the USN was not satisfied with Omahas.

Seems like somebody thought the Omaha's had potential for versatility (light carrier/CLV/pocket battlecruiser/4 turret CL/ ect.)

[jmolyson]

Here's my opinion, based on a few hours research.

From what I read, the Omaha had obsolete design elements since it was designed during WWI, including propulsion and especially because over half the main armament was mounted as casement guns.

Not sure the Omaha would have been much use as a 14" monitor since USN had sufficient 14" and 16" BB strength by the time shore bombardment began an important mission in the Pacific Theater.

This was a relatively small hull to absorb the recoil from a 14" gun. Also, the exitsting two fore-aft turrets and the magazines below would have required significant modification to accept a new gun more that twice the caliber of the existing 6-inch pieces.

[NormS3]

thanks. I appreciate the insight.

I was definitely more interested in the 6 inch cruiser as it offers a hypothetical class bridge between the Brooklyns and Omahas.

The monitor would have been funny to look at I think, but obviously not a good idea.

I have seen some mods have an CLAA mod for the Omaha and remember seeing a CVL mod years ago.

The ClAA makes some sense, I did not see the CVL mod as practical idea. As a whole it seems like the hull would not be supportive of
much in the way of modifications.

[m10bob]

ORIGINAL: NormS3

thanks. I appreciate the insight.

I was definitely more interested in the 6 inch cruiser as it offers a hypothetical class bridge between the Brooklyns and Omahas.

The monitor would have been funny to look at I think, but obviously not a good idea.

I have seen some mods have an CLAA mod for the Omaha and remember seeing a CVL mod years ago.

The ClAA makes some sense, I did not see the CVL mod as practical idea. As a whole it seems like the hull would not be supportive of
much in the way of modifications.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMWy1fvpzBM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx2LuSGuG5w

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: NormS3

thanks. I appreciate the insight.

I was definitely more interested in the 6 inch cruiser as it offers a hypothetical class bridge between the Brooklyns and Omahas.

The monitor would have been funny to look at I think, but obviously not a good idea.

I have seen some mods have an CLAA mod for the Omaha and remember seeing a CVL mod years ago.

The ClAA makes some sense, I did not see the CVL mod as practical idea. As a whole it seems like the hull would not be supportive of
much in the way of modifications.

In my copy of The Lexington-Class Carriers by Robert Stern, he lists a 9,500 T Converted Scout Cruiser made from an Omaha-Class CLs. The design was old dating November 1920.

Specs:
9,500T, 31 Knots, 2x2 6" Guns, 2x2 3" AA guns, and 2 twin TT tubes. The ship would have carried 18 Planes with 12 Fighters and 6 DB/TB.

[NormS3]

thanks bob. I appreciate the share.

[NormS3]

Thanks John. I appreciate the further insight. I might add it as a potential modification, but I am not sold on it.


The only way I can imagine it carrying 18 planes would be if they were small biplanes, so I don't think they would be very useful

as anything more than early ASW platforms.


Of interesting note, both Trenton and Concord have names which fit both carrier and cruiser naming conventions . . .

again thanks John. Something for me to mull over further.