The proposed minimum of eighteen Harriers is linked to sustaining four aircraft airborne and another four ready on deck. Eighteen Sea Kings would divide into six for airborne early warning and twelve for anti-submarine work. Early warning is identified as a central missing capability because fighters need time to intercept approaching attacks. The discussion argues that Sea King early-warning work already existed before the Falklands War, leaving the scenario to secure service entry and regular space aboard the carriers. This makes the air group's composition part of the ship-design requirement. The goal is to carry enough fighters and warning aircraft together for the warning to produce an effective response.
Notable Point · 4:31:31-4:37:04
Larger Invincibles and an early-warning helicopter force
A minimum of eighteen Harriers and eighteen Sea Kings would provide room for six early-warning helicopters alongside twelve anti-submarine aircraft.