Drones need not bring back the battlecarrier

Could the spread of drones bring back the battlecarrier?

Probably not, though carriers could regain larger defensive guns mounted clear of the flight deck.

Widespread drone use is considered unlikely to revive the classic battlecarrier. Larger defensive guns could nevertheless return to aircraft carriers if railguns become useful anti-aircraft weapons. The proposed arrangement puts them on sponsons below flight-deck level, recalling the placement of weapons on earlier British carriers. Guns mounted there could provide defensive fire without obstructing flight operations.