British carrier armor was intended to improve survival in waters such as the Mediterranean and South China Sea, but it left each ship with a smaller air group. Operating carriers together supplied the aircraft numbers needed for an effective strike, and Henderson had helped develop those tactics. Taranto planning had considered Courageous and Glorious, sometimes with Furious, before settling on Illustrious and Eagle. A third carrier on station would allow one ship to undergo maintenance while two remained available. Eagle's continued employment had prevented repairs when they were needed.
Notable Point · 1:00:48-1:02:49
Multiple carriers balance armor, air groups, and maintenance
British planning combines smaller armored-carrier air groups while giving ships such as Eagle time for repairs.