KMS Europa aka SS Europa (1928)
In the North German Lloyd Line of large, stood the Europa, a troop transport vessel. However since Germany had little need for troop transports in their blitzkrieg the Europa was useless. Large ships take a lot of skilled manpower and large quantities of strategic materials to build, so when Germany tried to rectify its critical shortage of warships and, specifically, aircraft carriers, she looked to these large liners as quick conversion possibilities. Europa was designated "Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier I". Plans in early 1942 called for a carrier resembling an over sized Graf Zeppelin, but having a sway-backed look from the curved liner decks below flight-deck level.
But the plan dont came to pass, and in 1945, she was captured by the Allies and used as a troopship, sailing as the USS Europa
Launched: 15 August 1928
In service: March 1930
Out of service: May 1945
Tonnage: 49,746 GRT
Displacement: 56,500 long tons
Length: 956 ft (291.5 m)
Beam: 121 feet (37 m)
Installed power: Four steam turbines generating 105,000 shp
Speed: 27.5 knots (50.9 km/h; 31.6 mph)
Aircraft carried: 18 × Ju 87C, 24 × Bf 109T
Crew: 965
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