Small carriers extend amphibious support and naval gunfire spotting

Small carriers also have missions below the level of fleet air combat. Japan's experience at Tsingtao and in the Russo-Japanese War sustained an interest in amphibious operations, where carrier aircraft could strike targets ashore and support landing forces. Britain could use the same class as a spotting carrier. Before radar, an aircraft above the formation could observe the fall of shot and correct gunfire beyond the horizon visible from a ship. In the Fairey Swordfish's TSR designation, the initials stand for torpedo, spotter, reconnaissance. That mixed mission explains why a modest air group could still contribute directly to surface combat.