How would an armored carrier change the fate of Prince of Wales and Repulse?
Short answerRadar and fighters could disrupt Japanese strikes enough for Force Z to survive, while the carrier's strike group and later reinforcements could create an early Eastern Fleet.
NotesThe carrier's fighters would not need to destroy every attacker; breaking coordinated formations into ones and twos would make shipboard evasion and anti-aircraft fire much more effective. Survival could then attract the reinforcements historically sent after the loss of Force Z, creating a stronger Allied fleet based farther south or in Australia. Radar and organic strike aircraft would also improve reconnaissance, coordination with land-based fighters, and the force's ability to threaten Japanese bases or ships. An armored fleet carrier such as Implacable or Indefatigable is preferred because Ark Royal traded hangar armor for a larger strike-oriented air group.