The rules estimated aerial torpedo hits by formation size, target type, maneuver, and the possibility of surprise. Battleships and carriers were more suitable targets than cruisers or destroyers, while bombing tables sharply reduced an aircraft's chance of damaging a deeply submerged submarine. Radius of action meant the greatest straight-line distance an aircraft could fly while retaining enough fuel to return, not its theoretical maximum range. Fuel capacity, airspeed, time over the objective, wind, launch delays, landing delays, and emergency reserves all entered the calculation. This complexity gave more officers realistic work and connected a local fleet exercise to the demands of a wider war. The damage model also encouraged carrier aircraft to slow enemy formations so the battle fleet could bring them to action.
Chapter · 26:19-31:31
Air attack tables connected weapons effects to operational range
Torpedo-hit probabilities, bombing depth limits, fuel reserves, wind, and recovery delays made naval air strikes a combined weapons-and-endurance calculation.