Air combat reinforces the fleet argument with a second service's experience. In the First World War, fighter employment grew from pairs and squadrons to German circuses and Allied big wings as each side concentrated more aircraft for major engagements. This coordination had to work without modern voice radio, relying heavily on visual cues such as wing movements. The Second World War repeated the movement toward large fighter groups for offensive operations. Command and mass could matter more than the isolated brilliance of one machine or pilot.
Notable Point · 31:34-32:50
Air combat formations and the return of mass
The growth from fighter pairs to squadrons, German circuses, and Allied big wings shows how organised mass repeatedly displaced the ideal of the lone ace.