Why did Britain build carriers without catapults?
Short answerSTOVL preserved compatibility with F-35Bs, Harriers, and future amphibious flight decks, giving Britain more interchangeable decks and better strategic availability.
NotesA catapult carrier offers greater capability per ship, but Britain was never going to fund enough of them to guarantee several available decks. STOVL aircraft can operate from both fleet carriers and prospective amphibious ships, allowing a smaller navy to spread aviation across more interchangeable hulls.