The proposed route to a viable sub-10,000-ton carrier was to restrict its duties from the outset. Ryujo illustrates the criticism of trying to fit a full fleet carrier's responsibilities into that allowance. Some British and American paper designs receive a more favourable assessment because they demanded less of the hull. France took a different direction with Commandant Teste, emphasizing seaplane carriage, support operations and mobile naval basing. That choice made aviation support a purpose in its own right instead of requiring a small ship to duplicate every fleet-carrier function.
Notable Point · 24:13-25:10
Ryujo and Commandant Teste show different answers to limited tonnage
Small-carrier viability depended on the mission: Ryujo pursued fleet-carrier functions, while Commandant Teste concentrated on seaplane support and mobile basing.