Argus turns limited carrier strength into a laboratory

Vindictive demonstrated the limits of mixing cruiser and carrier functions, leading the Navy to prefer distinct cruiser and carrier hulls. Argus became the workhorse for trials, exercises, and development while new carriers were still being completed. Studies converged on a common carrier hull able to embark at least forty-eight mixed aircraft. A complement of thirty-two or thirty-three larger aircraft and fifteen or sixteen fighters would support reconnaissance, spotting, torpedo, or anti-submarine duties. A fighter-heavy fit could probably accommodate about sixty fighters because each occupied less space than a torpedo or reconnaissance aircraft.