Increasing each fighter squadron from 12 to 16 aircraft would put 32 Sea Harriers aboard. With deck-edge lifts and some deck parking, the theoretical upper combination is 32 fighters, 24 anti-submarine Sea Kings and six early warning Sea Kings, totalling 62 aircraft. The conservative 48-aircraft proposal limits additional spending. Its principal tasks remain command, presence and leadership of anti-submarine warfare, supported by air defence, reconnaissance and limited strikes. The design would still have less capability than a full fleet carrier.
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A larger air group for sea control
Additional aircraft and deck parking could give the enlarged carrier a stronger sea-control force with limited strike capability.