The Invincible class was designed around helicopters smaller than the Sea King, so larger aircraft complicated its air-group arrangements. Merlin added a further problem because its wheels stood in the opposite configuration from the Sea King's. The deck positions requiring support therefore changed as well. Sea Harrier requirements also grew beyond the initial idea of eight aircraft keeping a pair over the formation. Depending on the threat, patrols needed two to four fighters and enough replacements to sustain them. Tailored air groups could carry twelve Harriers and ten Sea Kings, or eighteen Harriers and four Sea Kings for a stronger strike and anti-surface role.
Notable Point · 36:18-37:56
Invincible's changing helicopters and tailored air groups
Larger helicopters changed deck-loading demands while increased fighter patrol requirements pushed Invincible toward different mixes of Harriers and Sea Kings.