Royal Navy fleet carriers were intended to operate close to the battle force. Their protection was meant to keep them working after enemy hits. That requirement favored an operational carrier with a somewhat smaller air group over a larger air group aboard a disabled ship. Continued availability was therefore part of the aircraft-capacity tradeoff.
Notable Point · 1:02:35-1:03:14
Why armored carriers had to keep operating after hits
Armored carriers were intended to accompany the battle fleet and continue operating after taking hits.