Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:23:09-1:23:59

Why Ark Royal and Illustrious served different carrier roles

Ark Royal emphasized a large strike group, while the armored Illustrious class was designed to operate closer to the battle fleet and survive attack far from British repair yards.

Aircraft CarriersFar EastFleet Air ArmHMS Ark RoyalIllustrious Class Aircraft Carriers
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Question

Why did the Royal Navy build armored carriers after Ark Royal instead of simply repeating her?

Short answer

Ark Royal was optimized for a large strike group, while Illustrious was armored for close fleet operations and distant theaters with limited repair support.

Notes

The Royal Navy did not abandon one carrier philosophy immediately after Ark Royal. It assigned different operational jobs to the designs. Ark Royal's larger air group suited a strike-carrier role and a powerful opening attack, whereas Illustrious needed armor because it would work nearer the battle fleet and face more direct attack. Both designs also had to survive Far Eastern service, where damaged ships would be far from British repair capacity.