The counterfactual gives Victorious more time to work up and allows another armoured carrier to be available for Taranto. Extra carriers could also have relieved the workload on Ark Royal and allowed Eagle's fuel-line problems to be repaired. With two Illustrious-class ships and Eagle, the proposed strike grows to roughly 72 Swordfish, compared with 24 planned in the historical example. The discussion illustrates the difference with 63 aircraft arriving instead of 21. More aircraft would increase the chance of additional torpedo hits, without guaranteeing them. Earlier battleship deliveries could also have released Hood for refit, making construction timing relevant to maintenance as well as combat strength.
Notable Point · 1:12:22-1:14:46
More carriers at Taranto and time for refits
Earlier carrier deliveries could have increased the Taranto strike and eased pressure on ships needing repairs.