OK, we are looking at different versions then when it comes to Launch tubes and Hangar space, and this represents a lot of tonnage in question.
I have a version that was put on drivethru in March. pdf is called Highguard_Preview.pdf
What version do you have? (and if it is more recent, how do I get a copy???)
Launch Tubes: Page 47
Launching and recovering smaller craft from a larger ship is usually a time-consuming activity when using docking spaces or full hangars. Launch tubes allow craft to be launched rapidly, using electromagnetic technology similar to that used by railguns. Multiple launch tubes are often installed on capital ships that carry small craft, allowing them to launch potentially entire squadrons very quickly.
It takes one round to manoeuvre a craft into ‘firing’ position within a launch tube but, once there, it takes a single combat round to release up to ten craft it into space or an atmosphere and both the mothership and smaller craft may expend Thrust and make attack rolls during this round
A launch tube consumes an amount of tonnage equal to ten times the size of the largest craft it must launch. In addition, each craft carried on the ship that will use the launch tube must have a full hangar (using the costs and tonnage on page XX).
A launch tube costs MCr0.5 and requires 1 Power per ton.
So each ship that uses the tub has to have a full hangar. So a 10 ton ship uses up 20 tons of internal space.
Full Hangar page 47
Normally, when a smaller ship or vehicle is included in the design of a larger one, it is installed into a form–fitting enclosure within the hull of the mother vessel, with barely enough room for crew and passengers to scramble on board. Most repairs and maintenance require the craft to be launched first.
Alternatively, a full hangar allows for repairs and maintenance of the craft when it is on board its ship. The hangar includes spare parts and specialised testing and repair equipment. It normally takes 2D minutes for the auxiliary ship to enter or leave the larger ship.
A full hangar consumes an amount of tonnage equal to twice that of the craft it contains (round up to the nearest ton). Use shipping size for vehicles, as detailed in the Traveller Core Rulebook.
A full hangar costs MCr0.2 per ton.
Whereas a docking space from page 47
Docking Space
This is an internal bay in which a smaller auxiliary ship or vehicle can dock. When sealed, the docking space completely covers the auxiliary ship. It normally takes 1D minutes for the auxiliary ship to enter or leave the larger ship.
Docking space consumes an amount of tonnage equal to that of the largest ship to be docked, plus 10% (round up to the nearest ton). Use shipping size for vehicles, as detailed in the Traveller Core Rulebook.
It takes D3 rounds to release or recover a ship of less than 2,000 tons, during which time neither ship can expand any Thrust or make any attack rolls. Larger ships take 1D rounds.
Docking space costs MCr0.25 per ton.
Fuel Tank
Uses only 10% more tonnage than the ship it holds, so the 10 ton fighter needs 11 tons of space. 9 tons ship by the 18 ships in question is 162 tons of extra space. Add in the larger ships and you are over 200 tons of freed up space.