The proposed class of four large Type 82 destroyers fitted with nuclear Ikara anti-submarine missiles could have been a more reliable nuclear deterrent, but the Ikara was ultimately fitted only to carry conventional Mark 46 torpedoes and only one Type 82 air defence destroyer, , was built. "Bristol" lacked a helicopter hangar, and was plagued by problems common with dated and complex steam propulsion. Crewing and developing large cruiser size warships with steam propulsion was becoming more difficult in the RN, contributing to the issues in "Tiger" and the much later Type 82 destroyer. With no other approved option, in 1965 work began on "Blake" to convert her to a helicopter cruiser while "Tiger" began her conversion in 1968. The structural modernisation work on these old hulls was difficult and expensive. However, the ships successfully served as helicopter command cruisers and provided an argument to justify construction of their replacement, the "Invincible"-class "through deck cruisers". "Lion"s conversion was cancelled due to rising cost and that it was obvious by 1969 that "Blake"s conversion was unsatisfactory. "Lion" remained operational until late 1965, after which she was placed in reserve. In the event she was used as a parts source for the conversion of "Tiger". The conversion of two or three County-class guided missile destroyers as anti-submarine helicopter cruisers might have provided a quite effective anti-submarine vessel, as Chile did with two of its second-hand County-class ships. Running on their steam turbines alone, the County-class was a quiet anti-submarine platform; three RN County-class vessels were expensively updated in the late 1970s with Exocet and improved C4. proved useful in the 'cruiser' role in the Falklands War, being faster through rough seas than even "Hermes". Without proper modernisation and removal of the Sea Slug missile system, their helicopter capabilities were cumbersome and limited.