Aircraft spotting sits at the centre of interwar carrier value. A light aircraft can find a target, report fall of shot, and improve the accuracy of heavy guns without carrying the destructive load itself. At Narvik, a Swordfish spotted for Warspite, showing that the function survived into the Second World War. More fast capital ships therefore create demand for carriers able to accompany them and provide reconnaissance and fire-control support.
Notable Point · 18:35-20:30
Why carrier spotting belongs in capital-ship planning
Interwar carriers support the battle line not only by scouting but by correcting gunfire, which ties carrier size and speed to the number of fast capital ships at sea.