Ark Royal incorporated protection in its structure even though it lacked the Illustrious design's armored hangar. Henderson sought as much protection as the strike-carrier requirement allowed. Hangar space still had to accommodate growing aircraft and an air group large enough to remain useful into the 1940s. His experience commanding carriers had shown how quickly changes in aircraft size could alter what a ship could carry.
Notable Point · 2:21:58-2:22:54
Ark Royal balances protection against aircraft growth
Structural protection had to leave Ark Royal enough hangar space for larger aircraft and a useful strike air group into the 1940s.