Carrier basing placed Sea Harriers closer to the fighting than Argentine aircraft approaching at the limits of their range. That shorter journey benefited their defensive and supporting roles. The comparison recognizes the skill of pilots on both sides. Repeated long outward and return flights are suggested to have increased the strain on Argentine pilots as the campaign continued. Distance affected the psychological demands of combat and confidence as well as the flight itself.
Notable Point · 1:47:33-1:48:45
Sortie distance and pilot fatigue in the Falklands
Shorter flights from carriers reduced one source of strain compared with the repeated long sorties flown by Argentine pilots.