The Blackburn Blackburn illustrates the early carrier's scouting and spotting role. In the late First World War and 1920s, aircraft could carry weapons, though their more reliable contribution was to extend a fleet's vision. Converting the Lexingtons preserved their battlecruiser connection to the US Navy's scouting force. Fighters could deny the enemy information, scouts could find it, and strike aircraft added another option while carrier attack methods were still developing.
Chapter · 52:08-53:26
The early carrier as an information system
Early carrier warfare centred on reconnaissance, spotting, and denying enemy information alongside the developing strike role.