British requirements for a large, survivable carrier

British studies produced the figure of 27,000 tons standard displacement for a carrier capable of its intended duties. Requirements include a useful air group and survival against air threats in the Mediterranean and South China Sea. Planning anticipates a service life of twenty or thirty years. Treaty limits on both individual ships and aggregate carrier tonnage work against such large vessels. Anson and Howe could become carriers, while Rodney's treatment and a possible Ark Royal name remain speculative. Construction of the unfinished Admiral-class ships was suspended on 9 March 1917 and cancelled on 27 February 1919, although the hulls remained subjects for discussion.