A larger Ark Royal can combine air group and protection

Could a larger Ark Royal gain better subdivision and armor?

Yes. A 27,000-ton design could combine an Ark Royal-sized strike group with subdivision and armor comparable to Illustrious.

A 27,000-ton British carrier could ease the choice between aircraft capacity and protection. The proposed combination retains an Ark Royal-sized strike group. It adds subdivision and armor comparable to Illustrious, producing a ship that carries a substantial air group with stronger protection.