HMS Unicorn was historically conceived as a forward aviation support ship as well as a carrier. In this scenario, ten scout carriers already spread workshops, spare capacity, and aviation personnel across the fleet. A dedicated support ship might therefore be unnecessary, or the Navy could fit a scout-carrier hull with more support equipment and classify it as an auxiliary. The counterfactual changes the repair and maintenance architecture behind the fighting carriers as well as the carrier force itself.
Notable Point · 1:03:24-1:06:23
A scout-carrier fleet changes HMS Unicorn's support role
With numerous small carriers already distributing aviation support, the Navy might omit HMS Unicorn or build a scout-carrier-hull auxiliary instead.