What would most improve the Royal Navy's postwar carrier force?
Short answerFour or five carriers of one class would simplify logistics. Larger Audacious-type ships could also operate bigger air groups and strengthen the fleet's value to NATO.
NotesFleet value depends on sustaining a class across repeated operations. Four or five carriers built to the same design would let the Royal Navy standardize logistics and support. Larger Audacious-class ships would add room for bigger aircraft and air groups, making the force more useful to NATO and easier to defend politically. Commonality remains the primary advantage.