Combining a larger air group with an armoured hangar

British planners would have preferred more aircraft capacity, but treaty and political tonnage limits constrained what they could build. A different allocation of fleet-carrier tonnage is considered through a counterfactual involving scout carriers. The larger allowance could combine Ark Royal-sized hangar capacity with an Illustrious-style armoured hangar. That hypothetical ship combines the desired aircraft capacity and protection. It does not establish that the smaller air group was an unconstrained British preference.