Originally posted by Karnak
BC is the code for battlecruisers as I understood it.
The
"CC" code was exclusive to the USN as the prefix for
it's own Battlecruiser type and was only ever applied to the Lexington Class ships as far as I know. Most other navies during Pre & WW2 did I believe use the
"BC" prefix.
In 1915 when the design studies were started for the USN's only Battlecruisers - the LEXINGTON CLASS - and construction was started they were given the
"CC" prefix to their numbers.
USS LEXINGTON CC-1 (Converted during construction to Aircraft Carrier CV-2)
USS CONSTELLATION CC-2 (Canceled, scrapped 22.7% complete)
USS SARATOGA CC-3 (Converted during construction to Aircraft Carrier CV-3)
USS RANGER CC-4 (Canceled, scrapped 4% complete)
USS CONSTITUTION CC-5 (Canceled, scrapped 13.4% complete)
USS UNITED STATES CC-6 (Canceled, scrapped 12% complete)
When the WW2 era ALASKA CLASS was designed they at first received the
"BC" prefix and were pretty much known as "Battlecruisers." Before construction started the were reclassified as Large Cruisers
"CB". I think this had to do with their role mainly as a Carrier Escort than as earlier Battlecruisers usually used as scouts for the Battle Line.
Originally posted by APDrone
Jester, Thanks for the info! Neat stuff!
No Prob - glad to share all my useless info with the masses.