The class's air group changed with the period and mission. Later combinations included 12 Harriers and roughly ten helicopters providing anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning. A different mission mix could carry 18 Harriers and four Sea Kings, with a usual overall total of roughly 22 to 24 aircraft. Earlier groups used Sea Harriers, while Harrier GR7/9 and Merlin belonged to later arrangements. A 168-metre axial flight deck and 12-degree ski jump supported these aircraft on a compact but useful aviation platform.
Notable Point · 16:00-17:01
Tailoring Invincible's air group
Invincible's small flight deck supports different mixes of fighters, anti-submarine helicopters and airborne early warning aircraft.