The closing counterfactual changes the war's timing. If a major war began in 1944 instead of 1939-41, the US Navy might already be moving toward Bearcat-style fighters. Their compact dimensions could place more aircraft within a carrier's available space, while the Hellcat would retain an advantage on longer patrols. The Bearcat's strength would lie in interception, so the two types could serve different missions in a later-starting conflict. The question then widens to Japan and Europe: aircraft other than the Zero, Spitfire, Hurricane, Bf 109, Corsair, and Hellcat might have become the remembered icons of that war.
Notable Point · 39:40-42:52
A 1944 war start changes the remembered aircraft
The closing counterfactual asks how naval-aircraft memory changes if a major war begins in 1944, when aircraft like the Bearcat are nearer the front line.