> By definition, a convoy consisted of two or more merchant ships under the escort of one or more warships, but typical transatlantic convoys during the war consisted of large numbers of ships—the largest composed of 166, with typical convoys consisting of 45 to 60 ships—steaming in 9 to 12 columns with 1,000 yards between columns and 600 yards between ships in the individual columns. Because of their extra vulnerability, tankers and ammunition ships were placed in the innermost columns, and the convoy commodore in charge would be in the lead ship in the center column.
That is a lot of attack surface. But they kind of already do your idea, just with metal ships carrying goods.
Yeah makes sense, if you already have metal ships carrying goods there is no need to make additional ships just for protection. I suppose there could be an economic advantage if the pykrete ships can be made significantly cheaper and faster than the cargo ships.
It makes me wonder why Ukraine is so successful in the black sea with their sea drones vs. the Russian navy? Why wouldn't Russia have ships or something else blocking their battleships at port? It seems Ukraine is able to sink everything with ease at the moment.
> By definition, a convoy consisted of two or more merchant ships under the escort of one or more warships, but typical transatlantic convoys during the war consisted of large numbers of ships—the largest composed of 166, with typical convoys consisting of 45 to 60 ships—steaming in 9 to 12 columns with 1,000 yards between columns and 600 yards between ships in the individual columns. Because of their extra vulnerability, tankers and ammunition ships were placed in the innermost columns, and the convoy commodore in charge would be in the lead ship in the center column.
That is a lot of attack surface. But they kind of already do your idea, just with metal ships carrying goods.