A scout carrier would initially be designed around roughly twenty-four torpedo-spotter-reconnaissance aircraft. These can conduct torpedo attacks, spotting, reconnaissance, and submarine patrols. Designing for these large aircraft leaves space to include fighters when the mission calls for them. Routine ocean deployments offer fewer reasons to carry fighters. The Far East is the clearest case for a mixed group, with China Station carriers expected to embark both fighters and TSR aircraft.
Notable Point · 2:15:32-2:21:00
Scout-carrier air groups change with their station
TSR aircraft would dominate most scout-carrier groups, with fighters more likely aboard ships assigned to the China Station.