Interwar treaties can distinguish a seaplane carrier from a fleet carrier when the former remains an auxiliary. A helicopter carrier could seek similar treatment, but the label alone would not settle the issue. Its armament, missions, and status as a warship or auxiliary would determine which limit applied. If negotiators rejected the auxiliary classification, the ship's displacement might count against cruiser tonnage instead. The new aviation type could change ship design and the categories used to regulate fleets.
Notable Point · 52:51-53:16
Treaty law decides whether helicopter carriers count
A helicopter carrier might follow seaplane carriers outside treaty limits only while its design and duties support classification as an auxiliary.