The nominal group contains 24 Sea Harriers, 20 Sea King HAS.2 anti-submarine helicopters and four Sea King AEW.2 helicopters. That gives a total of 48 aircraft. An alternative allocation exchanges two anti-submarine helicopters for two more early warning aircraft. The larger deck and probable deck-edge lifts are estimated to accommodate at least 54 to 56 aircraft, leaving room to consider further early warning helicopters. The initial 48-aircraft allocation is deliberately conservative.
Notable Point · 58:41-59:33
The enlarged carrier's baseline air group
The conservative proposal provides 24 fighters and more space for anti-submarine and early warning helicopters.