Political comparisons often quote the maximum number of aircraft a carrier can physically carry. That figure differs from the air group the ship can operate, maintain, arm, fuel, and sustain at a useful tempo. The second number is the better measure of combat capability because aircraft packed aboard without enough support do not create the same sortie output. This distinction also explains why simple displacement or deck-capacity rankings can mislead procurement debates.
Notable Point · 1:59:20-2:00:03
Aircraft carried are not the same as an operational air group
Deck capacity can overstate combat power when a carrier cannot sustainably operate and maintain every aircraft aboard.