I'm hoping
John Farley will see this thread and respond.
Subject to anything John says -
The ski jump improves Harrier take-off performance by pushing it upwards at the moment of launch and allows it to carry a greater payload. I've always assumed less fuel is used in a ski-jump than a vertical t/o, but I don't know if that's true or a significant saving.
I think (not sure) a Harrier can take off with full fuel and full armaments load using a 12 degree ski jump.
The first two Invincible Class carriers were built with 7 degree slopes. Ark Royal was built with a 12 degree slope -
