British carriers commonly armed aircraft in the protected hangar and treated the survival of maintainers as part of aviation readiness. A prewar Air Ministry discussion showed that protection for aircrew had developed further than protection for ground crews, who might have to rely on slit trenches and exposed barracks. Aircraft and spare parts could be replaced, but trained and qualified fitters could not be produced immediately at a distant station. The enclosed armored hangar protected the aircraft, technicians, weapons crews, and stores needed to keep the air group operating. Personnel policy was therefore part of British carrier survivability.
Notable Point · 1:00:15-1:03:39
Armored hangars protected skilled people as well as aircraft
Enclosed hangars protected trained fitters and ground crews whose loss could not be remedied as quickly as damaged equipment.