A larger carrier force and Fleet Air Arm independence

Would a much larger early carrier force help the Royal Navy retain the Fleet Air Arm and shape nationwide aviation?

Yes; the ships' scale and prestige would reinforce naval control, support a larger carrier establishment, and give naval aviation wider institutional influence.

Prestigious converted Admiral-class ships would give the Royal Navy a stronger reason to resist Royal Air Force control of the Fleet Air Arm. A larger carrier establishment could also exert influence on aviation beyond the navy. One possible force includes three Admiral conversions, Furious, a new build, Argus, Eagle, and Hermes, with treaty tonnage sufficient for a capable purpose-built carrier. Ships, aviation procurement, and service control would reinforce one another rather than develop independently.