How would HMS Hermes cope if its centreline lift jammed at flight-deck level throughout the 1982 Falklands conflict?
Short answerA lift stuck level with the deck would be inconvenient but survivable; one jammed down would create a much more severe obstruction to aircraft operations.
NotesA centreline lift jammed level with the flight deck would leave HMS Hermes able to continue operating. The crew would have to do the work with one functioning lift. That would require reorganising the hangar and changing aircraft movements, with a heavier workload. A lift jammed in the lowered position would create a more serious problem.