Bearn's elaborate elevators slowed aircraft movement

Bearn's forward elevator could send a fighter directly to a low flying-off position, but the roof and location revealed that it obstructed normal flight-deck work. The center lift was large enough for reconnaissance aircraft with wings spread, while the after lift could carry torpedo bombers. Those two lifts had cycle times of roughly three and five minutes. Heavy clamshell closures covered the open shafts so flying could continue while a platform sat at hangar level, adding still more weight and mechanism. Two simpler lifts with faster cycles would have served aviation operations better than three elaborate ones.