Excellent reply as usual but why oh why did the Royal Navy request\demand\stipulate STOVL carriers as being the carrier of choice?
These ships are by far the largest carriers that will ever fly the White Ensign, design them from the outset with cats and traps, would that have offered a more flexible option.
From what I am reading the 'B' when returning with ordinance will not be doing vertical landings which might suggest a design similar to that of the Russian carrier might have been a better choice and is that ship being converted to have catapults?
You speak wise words and I would never dream of disagreeing with any of your much appreciated observations.
I blame the Select Committee