Why the Glorious Heritage is not quite a carrier

The Glorious Heritage operates tactical fighters, atmospheric attack craft, sensor drones, and other auxiliaries. Those parasite craft add reconnaissance, strike options, and protection, but the cruiser is built around forty missile launch systems and powerful direct-fire weapons. Its embarked craft contribute to a broader combat system rather than supplying the primary attack and defense. That balance makes it a general-purpose capital ship rather than a carrier, while its accompanying destroyers add still more long-range firepower.