The Second Sino-Japanese War changed how Japanese naval aviation assessed fighters. Combat experience gave planners evidence about what fighters could still accomplish as aircraft performance evolved. Fighters occupied their own number blocks alongside carrier attack, flying-boat, and maritime-patrol formations, making each unit's role visible in its designation. Later carrier air groups reflected these arguments about combat lessons and which aircraft types deserved space.
Chapter · 54:16-56:29
Combat experience and fighter interest
Second Sino-Japanese War combat experience renewed Japanese interest in fighters and affected air-group organization.