The protected hangar formed part of a structural system of rigid decks and internal plating. Multiple rigid decks could support the hull, spread loads, and add successive barriers after a weapon penetrated the upper armour. Thicker steel below the armoured deck could resist a projectile already slowed by that first barrier. Later carriers reused substantial pre-war design work, including the Illustrious family's contribution to Audacious and Unicorn's connection with the light fleet carriers.
Notable Point · 6:09-8:14
Armoured hangars as structural protection
Armour, strength decks, and thicker internal plating spread loads and made British carriers more resistant to damage.