Deck-edge lifts would improve British carrier designs such as Ark Royal and the Illustrious class. Central elevators consume the lift opening plus clear space for movement, maintenance, and safety, so shifting them outward can release a disproportionately large area for aircraft stowage and handling.
Notable Point · 3:03:20-3:04:13
How deck-edge lifts recover carrier hangar space
Moving aircraft lifts to the deck edge saves more than the elevator footprint because it also removes the surrounding safety and access zone from the hangar.