Earlier carrier completions would reduce pressure on Ark Royal and other older ships, allowing more time for refits. They could also free one or two carriers for Force Z, with an older ship supporting the slow battleships and a modern carrier accompanying the faster units. A newly commissioned Implacable-class ship is suggested as a conspicuous deterrent that could work up in the Far East. Its presence would not immediately mean a fully effective air group: commissioning and operational readiness remain different stages. The design is praised for combining armor with an air group of about eighty aircraft, approaching Ark Royal's striking capacity. The discussion links the design to Henderson's 1938 plans for carriers after treaty restrictions ended.
Notable Point · 4:03:50-4:06:48
Earlier carriers could support Force Z before their air groups were ready
An earlier Implacable-class deployment could strengthen deterrence in the Far East, though a new carrier's air group would still need to work up.