Fisher's intervention in wartime construction is a major obstacle to an early carrier in this interpretation. The Admiralty had explored a full-length flight deck, probably in a hybrid design able to operate landplanes and recover seaplanes. Conversions remained awkward because funnels and superstructure had to be rerouted around aviation spaces, which strengthened the case for a purpose-built hull. The prewar studies make a 1915 carrier order a plausible alternative, although that order was never placed.
Notable Point · 13:33-16:14
How Fisher delayed an early purpose-built carrier
Royal Navy design work had advanced far enough for a purpose-built carrier to be laid down in 1915, but Fisher's return disrupted the construction path.