The Royal Navy's intended Pacific support system differed from the improvised conditions it faced historically. HMS Unicorn was designed to carry replacement aircraft forward, receive damaged machines, and support repairs for operating carrier groups. Argus and possibly Hermes could reinforce the same aviation-logistics role. Carrier endurance depended on this support network as well as each ship's internal capacity.
Notable Point · 15:43-16:35
HMS Unicorn as a forward aviation support ship
HMS Unicorn illustrates how the Royal Navy planned to sustain carrier air groups with replacement aircraft, repairs, and forward aviation support.