Ark Royal's design treats aircraft as the most likely attackers and places heavy deck protection over vital spaces. Vertical armour is intended to resist fortunate gun hits from an enemy warship able to get within range. An improved bulge protects a substantial part of the hull against underwater attack. Close watertight subdivision protects the remaining length. Goodall's account describes these measures as complementary parts of the carrier's protection.
Chapter · 2:52:21-2:56:10
Ark Royal's layered protection and close subdivision
Ark Royal combined deck and vertical armour with underwater protection and close subdivision to protect vital spaces against different forms of attack.