Courageous historically used eighteen boilers to drive four shafts at about 90,000 shaft horsepower. Her refit could serve as a practical trial for the machinery concept before the Royal Navy committed it to Ark Royal and the Illustrious class. Her large open hangar and lightly armored conversion made boiler access easier than on a battleship, although greater power might require reinforcing the bow. The test could reduce technical risk for later carriers while also producing a faster, longer-ranged, or better-protected Courageous.
Notable Point · 44:24-46:28
Courageous tests the future carrier plant
Refitting Courageous could validate the machinery arrangement intended for Ark Royal and the Illustrious class while improving the older carrier's speed, range, and weight margin.