How would Essex-class and Illustrious-class carriers compare in ship handling and combat chances in 1944?
Short answerEssex has greater daytime capability in this comparison, while Illustrious has an edge in night operations and fighter direction; geography changes the balance.
NotesThe Essexes have the advantage in daytime weight of capability, while Illustrious-class carriers bring strong fighter control and an edge in night operations. Geography changes the balance: the Mediterranean offers fewer places to hide, while the Indian Ocean makes an Essex daytime engagement more plausible.