The design starts with the desired air group and the space required to operate and sustain it. In the alternate imperial scenario under discussion, British carriers might have larger hangars but smaller air groups than American ships. Nuclear-powered British response carriers would emphasize rapid global movement, while conventionally powered regional carriers could provide persistent local presence.
Notable Point · 3:45:30-3:46:24
Carrier size follows the air group and its endurance
Hangar volume, aircraft numbers, and the support needed to sustain them determine carrier size more directly than an arbitrary tonnage target.