Carrier space and HMS Unicorn's maintenance role

Four Swordfish occupy much of the flight deck in a photograph of a merchant aircraft carrier, showing how little space these ships offered. A comparison of HMS Illustrious and HMS Unicorn then turns to the latter's aircraft-support role. Unicorn carried a special lighter that could transfer aircraft to and from other carriers for lifting aboard. Her taller hangar provided room for extensive maintenance. That extra clearance is also considered useful for accommodating later aircraft, although jet operations remain a hypothetical possibility in the discussion.