Crossword Genius

Copper perhaps on aircraft carrier? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arrester

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'copper' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'on aircraft carrier?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'on' could be 're' ('on' can be mean 'with reference to') and 're' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'perhaps' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for arrester that I've seen is " Copper".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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