HMS Unicorn was classified and built as an auxiliary, with treaty limits on speed and armament but no cumulative cap on ships of her type. A government placing greater weight on security could have funded Unicorn-like vessels earlier, drawing on designs already under development. Fast oilers and other auxiliaries would add further support capacity. More sloops could release destroyers for fleet duties, while auxiliary and cruiser carriers could take on anti-submarine work otherwise assigned to fleet carriers.
Notable Point · 50:52-54:57
HMS Unicorn and the auxiliary carrier category
HMS Unicorn shows how Britain could use the treaty's auxiliary category to add carrier support and aviation capacity without the cumulative limits applied to fleet carriers.