If I remember correctly, the initial plan for the CVS was to carry 9 ASW Sea Kings, as it was primarily an ASW asset, and 5 Sea Harriers to "hack the shad", i.e. knock down the Russian Bear aircraft that was shadowing the CVS.
To put 5 to sea, Sea Harrier Sqns had about 8 or 9 airframes. So originally 16/18 Sqn frames from a buy of 34, and 5-10 at sea at any one time from 34......
Falklands war deployment was not using long term sustainable numbers, but everything including the kitchen sink.
But I'm working from memory, am not, and never have been, in the RN, and only had a passing relationship with the CVS empire......
Oh yes, by the way, the RN have 4 SSBNs to be able to ensure 100% of the time that one is at sea.....!!!
