HMS Hermes shows why early British carriers devoted substantial volume to their island structures. Briefing and organizing pilots near the flight deck helped aircrew reach aircraft quickly when a launch was ordered. A tall island also carried funnel outlets high enough to reduce smoke interference over the deck. Experience with Argus, Eagle, Furious, Courageous, and Glorious taught the Royal Navy that funnel trunks passing through the hangar imposed a serious penalty on aircraft space.
Notable Point · 50:10-51:45
How carrier islands supported faster flight operations
British carrier islands combined command, aircrew organization, and smoke management while protecting scarce hangar space.