The Malta design included both deck-edge and centreline aircraft lifts. British designers wanted the handling advantages of deck-edge lifts but retained institutional memories of aircraft and equipment lost in severe northern waters. That concern remained a practical operating constraint. Even the Queen Elizabeth class operates with instructions governing lift use in North Sea conditions. Malta's mixed arrangement shows how local weather experience persisted alongside lessons from Pacific carrier warfare.
Notable Point · 40:56-41:50
Malta's mixed lifts and North Sea risk
Malta combined deck-edge and centreline lifts because the Royal Navy valued faster aircraft movement but still distrusted exposed lifts in North Sea conditions.