Courageous used a lower flying-off position linked directly to the hangar, while the rounded upper deck improved airflow for launches. The arrangement moved fighters from enclosed storage to a launch position without occupying the main landing deck. At about 22,500 tons, she made 30.5 knots, mounted sixteen 4.7-inch guns, and carried roughly 50 aircraft. Kaga's converted battleship hull offered great width and a 60-aircraft group, but her enormous exhaust trunk and funnel consumed space and topweight. She made 23 knots and carried ten 8-inch guns and twelve 4.7-inch guns. Removing the trunking and fitting an island might have raised her capacity from 60 to about 70 aircraft. Exhaust design placed a direct constraint on striking capacity.
Chapter · 24:09-25:57
Courageous and Kaga show flight-deck layout choices
HMS Courageous's lower flying-off deck and Kaga's enormous funnel show how airflow, exhaust routing, and hangar access affected carrier capacity.