Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:40:16-1:40:53

Atlantic Conveyor cost helicopters, not embarked Harriers

The first correction distinguishes the aircraft already flown to the carriers from the helicopter cargo still aboard Atlantic Conveyor.

Air Mobile LogisticsAtlantic ConveyorChinook HelicoptersFalklands WarLive Q&ARoyal MarinesSea Harrier
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Did Atlantic Conveyor sink with Harriers aboard?

Short answer

No; the Harriers had already transferred to Hermes and Invincible, while the ship still carried Wessex, Chinook, and Lynx helicopters.

Notes

Atlantic Conveyor did not sink with Harriers still aboard. The Sea Harriers and RAF GR.3s had already moved to the operational carriers before the ship was hit. Her remaining aviation cargo consisted instead of Wessex, Chinook, and Lynx helicopters. Establishing that inventory is essential to understanding why the loss damaged land-force mobility rather than carrier fighter strength.