The likely air group is built around torpedo-spotter-reconnaissance aircraft. Around twenty to twenty-four aircraft could extend a cruiser squadron's search radius, maintain contact with distant ships, and still deliver torpedo attacks when required. That makes the carriers useful for the China Station, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, South Atlantic, and home waters while preserving larger carriers for fleet concentration. Their peacetime presence mission also builds routines for cruiser-aircraft cooperation that may influence later treaty negotiations and wartime scouting doctrine.
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Scout carriers for global cruiser stations
Hermes-derived scout carriers would accompany cruiser squadrons on distant stations, where their aircraft extend search and presence beyond a cruiser's visual horizon.