A German raider threat drives British light-carrier policy

A larger German surface-raider force could make additional light carriers attractive to Britain. One proposed treaty scheme creates a separate 135,000-ton light-carrier allowance for each of Britain and the United States, with individual ships limited to 15,000 tons. That permits nine ships at the limit, or about ten using the Colossus class's quoted 13,200-ton standard displacement. Smaller carriers would supply numbers while allowing Britain to build its main fleet carriers nearer 27,000 tons. Ark Royal and the Illustrious designs are then imagined with greater aircraft capacity, armored protection, and stronger torpedo defenses. A few related hulls could serve as forward aviation support ships. The projected fleet is roughly ten light carriers, five or six fleet carriers, and two to four support carriers by World War II or soon afterward.