A two-hull carrier force has no spare capacity when maintenance schedules collide or one ship develops an unexpected defect. The proposed structure has two strike carriers backed by three F-35-capable LHDs, creating a five-ship aviation pool. The amphibious ships would remain primarily amphibious and the carriers primarily strike platforms, but each group could provide limited cover for the other. Commanders could then tailor air groups and preserve availability without pretending all five hulls were interchangeable.
Notable Point · 3:38:43-3:40:39
Why a medium power needs a five-ship aviation pool
Two strike carriers plus three F-35-capable LHDs would give Britain enough overlapping hulls to absorb maintenance and operational surprises.