Joffre evolved from Béarn while absorbing lessons from British carrier practice. Its rail system could secure and move aircraft safely, yet damage to the rails could severely disrupt work in the hangar. Centreline and deck-edge lifts each traded flight-deck continuity and hangar space against stability and ease of repair. French planners could accept some of that fragility because they expected Mediterranean land bases to carry much of the aviation burden and overseas carrier operations to reinforce a stronger ally. A damaged carrier could return to France instead of sustaining an independent global campaign.
Notable Point · 31:06-35:35
Joffre's design and flight-deck tradeoffs
The Joffre design refined some French carrier ideas, although its aircraft-handling systems still traded safety and resilience against space and repairability.