Ark Royal as a purpose-built strike carrier

Ark Royal was designed to deliver a concentrated strike against an enemy fleet at sea or in harbour. Her two-hangar arrangement did more than increase aircraft capacity. The lower hangar could hold machines needing extensive maintenance, functioning almost like an internal HMS Unicorn, while the upper hangar sustained the active air group. That separation helped crews keep serviceable aircraft ready for rapid movement to the flight deck. Her internal arrangement embodied a doctrine of readiness and concentrated offensive air power.