The Dutch battlecruiser scenario does not assume that Japanese torpedo bombers automatically repeat their success against Force Z. Surprise and the force's operating area matter, and the Dutch ship could lead its own group in the central and eastern East Indies. British support might include Furious, particularly if Dutch help against Bismarck had preserved Hood and avoided damage to Prince of Wales. Sending Furious would require transferring her aircraft-ferry work to Argus or other ships, accepting that they could not perform it as well. Her lifts could accommodate Sea Hurricanes, allowing a fighter and Swordfish air group after a quick modernization. A carrier accompanying two or three fast capital ships would present a different target from the historical Force Z.
Notable Point · 1:55:30-1:59:13
Furious and air cover for a Dutch-led force
A hypothetical deployment of Furious would exchange some aircraft-ferry capacity for fighter protection of the Dutch and British capital ships.