The treaty-era Ark Royal as a strike carrier

Britain could not simply match the largest American and Japanese carriers because its allotted treaty tonnage had to cover more sea routes and operating areas. A global maritime empire depended on moving goods and forces across long communications that also had to be protected. Carrier aircraft could search wide areas for surface raiders faster than patrols composed only of ships, while the carriers themselves required worldwide maintenance and supply. Ark Royal became the dedicated strike carrier within this wider force rather than a supposed British copy of a Pacific carrier. The design is therefore best understood as a response to treaty arithmetic, global commitments, and a particular operational role.