Making the flight deck a strength deck meant it contributed to the ship's structural integrity rather than sitting above the hull as added superstructure. The deck used 19-millimetre Ducol steel plating, and the hangars sat within the hull girder. This arrangement increased structural and splinter protection and reduced the risk that the hangar spaces would warp. The stronger internal framework also provided secure points from which heavy maintenance equipment could be suspended. Ark Royal became an important design step toward the later British armoured carriers.
Notable Point · 21:02-22:50
Why a structural flight deck mattered
Ark Royal's flight deck formed part of the hull's structure, an important step toward later armoured-carrier design.