HMS Unicorn was a forward aviation support ship and a depot platform for carriers. Damaged aircraft could be removed, repairable airframes restored, and replacement aircraft passed onward to operational carriers. Airworthy replacements could fly across while aircraft requiring deeper work were carried back toward shore facilities. This arrangement turned aviation maintenance into a fleet-level logistics system rather than an isolated task for each carrier.
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HMS Unicorn as forward aviation support
HMS Unicorn was designed to supply, repair, and redistribute aircraft so carrier groups could preserve their aviation strength far from shore facilities.