Bearn used three electrically powered lifts, but each imposed a different bottleneck on flight operations. The two-story forward fighter lift took about 90 seconds and opened a large obstruction in the deck, while the center and after lifts took roughly three and five minutes and used clamshell doors. Aircraft and components also moved through the two hangars on overhead rails, with the lower space devoted largely to workshops, assembly, and storage. Although the ship could theoretically hold 32 aircraft, her eventual operating group was only 27. The arrangement consumed deck time and manpower while exposing France to only a small volume of carrier operations.
Chapter · 1:44:21-1:52:20
Bearn's elaborate aircraft-handling system
Three slow lifts, clamshell doors, overhead rails, and a small air group limited Bearn's flight-deck tempo and training value.