Unicorn is a forward aviation support ship

How many Unicorn-type ships might exist, and why did Britain need them?

Britain planned two to provide aviation support far from its industrial base; American geography created a different support requirement.

Unicorn was designed for forward aviation support despite resembling a conventional carrier. Britain needed to bring aircraft maintenance and related services toward a fleet operating far from its industrial base. The United States had a Pacific coast connected to its own industrial system, giving it a different logistical problem. The comparison concerns the need for this particular kind of support ship, without establishing that American fleets needed no forward support. French adoption remains unresolved.