Originally Posted by
WE Branch Fanatic
The flexible deck experiment contributed to the invention of the angled flight deck by Captain Dennis Campbell. As for the bulb - surely reducing pitch motion aids flying operations?
Driving factor behind flex deck was taking weight out of the aircraft to improve performance at the time (primarily due to contemporary airframe and engine technology). Driving factor behind angled deck was to overcome hazard associated with heavier faster aircraft exceeding capability of barrier to protect recovered aircraft on an axial deck.
Reducing pitch does help air ops, but not by "lifting the bow". You fit a bulb primarily to reduce wave-making resistance - influenced by a combination of ship length and speed - it comes with a resistance penalty at lower speeds, which you only pay if worth it. QEC is right in the sweet spot for one.