Article 8 makes the alternate building programme easier to start. Aircraft-carrier tonnage in existence or building on 12 November 1921 counted as experimental and could be replaced within the national allowance regardless of age. Hermes clearly qualified because she was ordered in 1917, laid down in 1918, launched in 1919, and commissioned only in 1924. Furious, Eagle, Argus, and potentially Courageous and Glorious gave Britain a wider pool of replaceable experimental tonnage. Actual construction still depended on government budgets.
Notable Point · 5:50-7:18
Experimental-carrier rules give Britain an early replacement advantage
Article 8 classifies existing or already-building carriers as experimental, allowing Britain to replace Hermes and several conversions without waiting for normal age limits.