British carrier air defence kept Fulmars airborne at altitude, ready to dive on approaching aircraft. Fighters launched from the deck climbed into the patrol station vacated by the interceptors. They were preparing for the next wave instead of racing directly after the current raid. Criticism of the Fulmar's climb rate can miss this relief cycle.
Notable Point · 1:05:49-1:06:29
Fulmar combat air patrols and relief fighters
A Royal Navy air-defense explanation shows why newly launched Fulmars climbed to relieve the high patrol rather than racing directly after an incoming raid.