Interwar carriers accumulated catapults, arrestor gear, barriers, lifts, radio beacons, and eventually radar. Beacons let aircraft range farther from the ship, but finding the carrier again encouraged a dedicated navigator and therefore two-seat fighters in British service. Before radar, uncertain warning time - especially in the Mediterranean - also strengthened the case for an armored flight deck and protected hangar. British aircraft and carrier choices therefore followed from navigation and warning constraints as well as from a simple preference for protection.
Notable Point · 7:05-8:22
Beacons, navigation, and the logic of armored flight decks
Carrier beacons extended aircraft range, while navigation needs and limited early warning help explain Royal Navy two-seat fighters and armored protection.