Hermes had a ship's complement of 566 before adding her air group, whose personnel requirement varied with the aircraft embarked. Some early single-seat fighters required more fitter-hours than the Swordfish that later operated from her. Easier maintenance did not necessarily lead to a smaller maintenance party. Keeping similar staffing allowed aircraft to remain operational for more hours each day and supported a higher operating rate. The nominal twenty-aircraft group therefore has to be considered alongside its maintenance demands and the amount of flying expected.
Notable Point · 20:36-21:23
Aircraft maintenance demands shape Hermes's operating rate
Some early fighters needed more maintenance than the later Swordfish, so retaining maintainers could turn easier upkeep into more flying hours.