How would a large Italian carrier based on a Caracciolo or Littorio hull affect the Mediterranean war?
Short answerIt would provoke a stronger British carrier response and could face a larger attack at Taranto, while requiring Italy to supply an operational air group.
NotesA conversion using a retained Caracciolo hull is preferred to diverting a Littorio hull needed for a battleship. Italy's aircraft industry is expected to be capable of supplying an air group, whether through conversions or new designs. IMAM is proposed for attack and torpedo aircraft, with Caproni suggested as a fighter contender. A successful large conversion is compared with Akagi, Kaga and potentially the Lexingtons, giving Britain a carrier threat it would have to take seriously. That could make a pause in British carrier construction less likely and keep Glorious in the Mediterranean. If the Italian carrier remained at Taranto, a much stronger British attack is proposed, potentially involving Glorious, Ark Royal, Illustrious and Eagle. The carrier's possible effects therefore include changes to British construction and deployment before its own aircraft enter combat.