Ark Royal was conceived as the fleet's striking punch

What operational role was Ark Royal conceived to perform?

She was the fleet's major strike carrier, built to attack an enemy force at sea or ships concentrated in harbor.

Ark Royal was intended to provide the heavy striking element of a major fleet force. An alternative mission was attacking enemy ships in harbor before they could join a battle. Her air group therefore emphasized Blackburn Skua and Fairey Swordfish strike aircraft. The ship's large aviation capacity served a specific offensive doctrine.