Cunningham's 1941 conclusions came from practical experience of fleet defence. His October report helped shape the operational thinking the Royal Navy and United States Navy carried into war against Japan. He argued that a high-intensity engagement required roughly eighteen fighters over the fleet, a demand that exceeded what one understrength carrier could sustain. Carrier complements moved from a nominal one-fighter-to-two-strike-aircraft balance toward parity and later a fighter-heavy Pacific mix. More powerful fighters could also carry rockets or bombs, allowing them to contribute to strike work while meeting the defensive requirement.
Notable Point · 22:18-26:40
Cunningham's case for eighteen fighters over the fleet
Experience with Illustrious and Formidable led Cunningham to argue that a fleet under serious threat needed about eighteen fighters airborne, changing British carrier air-group priorities.