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ARGUS (2nd Dec., 1917) Late Liner
Displacement: 14,450 tons standard; 15,750 tons (full)
Complement: 373
Length: (p.p.) 535 ft, (w.l.) 560 ft, 565 ft (o.a.)
Beam: 68 ft
Draught: 21 ft (mean)
Aircraft: about 20
Guns:
6 - 4 inch AA
4 - 3 pdr.
4 M.G.
10 Lewis
Armour: none
Machinery:Parsons turbines. 4 screws. Designed S.H.P.: 20,000 = 20.2 kts. Boilers: 12 cylindrical with Howdens forced draught. Fuel: 2000 tons oil.

General notes: Begun 1914, by Beardmore, for Italian Lloyd Sabaudo Line, as S.S. Conte Rosso. All work on her ceased in 1914. She was purchased in 1916 and converted to Aircraft Carrier. Completed September, 1918. Refitted 1925-26, and Bulges fitted, extending from Section 4 to Section 19.
Capacity : Hangar is 350 ft long by 68 ft wide and 48 ft clear width, 20 ft clear height. Its divided into four section by fire-proof screens, and can accommodate 20 aeroplanes of sea and land types.
Handling gear: Two electrically controlled lifts for raising airdraft from hangar to flight deck. Forward lift, 30 ft x 36 ft. After lift, 60 ft x 18 ft. When forward lift is at flight deck level, two roller platforms slide to the sides to the sides and uncover well opening. When lift descends, the platforms are closed together and give a 20-ft platform for flying off. When a deck load of aeroplanes is carried, wind-breaking palisades can be raised simultaneously to 14 ft above flying deck. Two derricks with electric winches amidships on flight deck and two electric cranes at stern on hangar deck level; all to pick up aeroplanes from the water.
Engineering notes: At the time designs were got out, a 0.4 inch scale model was prepared for testing in the air tunnel at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, to solve various structural problems and to test eddy-making effects of hull. It was found that the emission of hot furnace gases from the usual type of funnels created such serious air disturbances.Safe landings would be very difficult. Accordingly, horizontal smoke-ducts with big expelling fans were fitted, to deliver all furnace gases and smoke out abaft hangar, or alternatively through flight deck. Designes for 18 kts, but modifications during conversion raised speed by 2 kts. Mean H.P. on trial, 21,376 = 20.5kts.


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