Q&A · 4:33:10-4:33:52

Bismarck's AA must split between attack types

The defenses would improve, but more carriers and mixed fighter, dive-bomber, and torpedo-bomber attacks would divide the ship's anti-aircraft effort.

Question

Would German preparation for improved British torpedo bombers make Bismarck much safer from air attack?

Short answer

The defenses would improve, but more carriers and mixed fighter, dive-bomber, and torpedo-bomber attacks would divide the ship's anti-aircraft effort.

Notes

German planners could adapt their shipboard weapons to the expected British torpedo threat. The delayed war also gives the Royal Navy more carriers and a broader set of aircraft. Fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers approach with different profiles, forcing the defenses to split attention among them. Better guns therefore do not remove the problem created by a larger and more varied air attack.