Attempts to operate more than roughly 96 crewed aircraft from one carrier are described as repeatedly running into practical difficulties. Additional aircraft can become stored replacements rather than machines that fly regularly with the air group. The precise reason for the recurring limit is acknowledged as uncertain. The panel considers the congestion created by a shared hangar, three or four lifts, and a flight deck handling both launch and recovery. Extra takeoff paths do not remove the need to recover aircraft through the same landing area.
Notable Point · 38:27-40:24
Why larger carrier air groups can create deck congestion
Roughly 96 crewed aircraft is presented as a recurring practical limit, after which spare airframes and deck congestion reduce the benefit of a larger complement.