Lexington's attack group comprises 24 scout bombers, ten fighters, and 12 torpedo aircraft, a total of 46. Yorktown's listed group has seven scouts and 17 bombers carrying 1,000-pound bombs, six escort fighters, and nine torpedo aircraft with torpedoes set to run at ten feet. Those Yorktown figures add to 39, although the spoken comparison revises its total from 36 to 43. The comparison uses the launched groups to argue that American operational strength was comparable with some later Royal Navy carrier designs. American air-group totals could include spare aircraft stored in hangars. British practice placed reserves aboard escort carriers or HMS Unicorn. Aircraft available to fly and the location of the reserves therefore matter when comparing the navies' carrier strength.
Notable Point · 12:07-13:47
Coral Sea carrier air groups and usable striking power
Lexington and Yorktown's strike groups show why launched aircraft and reserve arrangements matter when comparing American and British carrier air groups.