Lexington and Saratoga expose carrier-gun tradeoffs

Langley's strike experiments sit alongside Lexington and Saratoga entering the US Navy's scouting and reconnaissance force. The converted battlecruisers raise questions about the value of mounting 8-inch guns high in an aircraft carrier. The guns and their supporting structure add topweight, and using them would turn a large, fragile aviation asset toward surface combat instead of keeping distance and launching aircraft. Removing that battery could free weight for armour or equipment that supports more aircraft and faster launch-and-recovery cycles. Carrier design has to follow the ship's aviation mission instead of preserving cruiser or battlecruiser habits.