The 1998 fleet concept included Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships with large hangars to provide additional Merlin facilities for anti-submarine warfare. Distributing helicopters among the auxiliaries expanded the group's aviation support beyond the carrier itself. The arrangement depends on having enough auxiliaries and helicopters to use that capacity. Those support ships also help carrier groups deploy worldwide. A force able to arrive where it is needed can give Britain a greater role in decisions affecting its economy and interests.
Notable Point · 46:39-48:41
RFA helicopters and global carrier operations
Auxiliary ships with large hangars can share the group's Merlin helicopter work, provided enough ships and aircraft are available.