Cammell Laird's missing Admiral-class conversion studies

Cammell Laird was selected to build Ark Royal as a strike-carrier specialist, although the yard had never previously built an aircraft carrier. Clarke found references to studies for converting its Admiral-class battlecruiser hull during his PhD research, but had not located the studies themselves. The progress of the hull when conversion was considered remains uncertain. He suspects Beatty helped stop the project, while Drachinifel connects that suggestion with Beatty's contemporary proposal to use Eagle for nocturnal torpedo attacks as well as daytime aviation. Eagle's roughly 24-knot speed and limited manoeuvrability make the latter proposal questionable in their assessment.