A frequently quoted Illustrious-class fuel figure covers the ready-use bladder system rather than the carrier's total aviation-fuel capacity. Sustained combat air patrols make the claim of exhausting all fuel in two days implausible. British lifts had a cycle time of roughly thirty seconds, comparable to American carriers and much faster than the cited French system. Treaty-era deck arrangements forced a choice between staging a full alpha strike and sustaining continuous flight operations. The angled flight deck later allowed navies to keep aircraft moving while assembling a substantial strike package.
Chapter · 57:58-1:03:07
Illustrious myths: fuel, lifts, and strike operations
A sustained correction of Illustrious-class myths distinguishes ready-use fuel tanks from total capacity, compares lift cycle times, and explains the deck-layout choice between continuous operations and an alpha strike.