American studies for the invasion of Japan expected the carrier force to face intense kamikaze attacks before and after the landings. The dates are recalled from memory, but the outline is clear: US carriers might be mission-killed by about D+3, while shore airfields would not be ready until roughly D+4. British armoured-deck carriers were expected to keep aircraft operating through the intervening period because they could absorb damage differently. The estimate shows why the British Pacific Fleet's survivability mattered to Allied invasion planning. The exact day counts should be treated as approximate.
Notable Point · 45:03-46:45
Armoured carriers in Operation Downfall planning
American planning estimates recalled here expected kamikaze attacks to disable US carriers before shore airfields were ready, leaving British armoured-deck carriers to cover the gap.