Q&A · 5:28:34-5:30:47

Would Warspite be vulnerable to A-4 attacks at San Carlos?

San Carlos's terrain and careful positioning would restrict attack opportunities against a hypothetical Warspite, with consequences for the other ships' berths.

Question

Would a Warspite deployed to the Falklands simply become a target for Argentine A-4s?

Short answer

San Carlos's hills and careful ship positioning would make attacks harder, though giving Warspite a favorable berth could leave another ship less well placed.

Notes

San Carlos's surrounding hills limit how long an attacking pilot can see and line up on a ship. Michael Clapp positioned Fearless and Intrepid at opposite ends of the line, where an aircraft either had little time to attack after crossing the ridge or faced a longer approach under fire. A hypothetical Warspite could receive similarly protective positioning. Giving her a favorable berth could leave Intrepid in a less favorable one, so the benefit would involve a trade within the anchorage. The aircraft distinction also matters: Argentine A-4s carried bombs, while the Super Étendards carried the anti-ship missiles discussed here.