Lift placement around the modified Taiho's armored box

The angular lifts combined usable platform space with a shape intended to make alignment for a penetrating hit harder. A preference for simpler square lifts rests on ease of aircraft handling, accepting a compromise in that protective geometry. Placing lifts at the ends of the armored box limited openings in protected structure. An opening through the side could also interfere with anti-aircraft gun positions, a constraint shared with British armored-carrier designs. Later British proposals were already moving toward more numerous lifts. A further move away from centerline lifts is suggested as a possible development, rather than something that actually happened. Heavier armament and improved anti-torpedo protection formed part of Japan's intended second generation after Taiho.