Would receiving the larger American carriers in 1940 help the Fleet Air Arm?
Short answerThey would provide more aircraft capacity, but Britain would still need to adapt their protection and roles to operations near hostile land-based aircraft.
NotesIn the fleet-swap scenario, larger American carriers give the Fleet Air Arm room for more aircraft. Their suitability still depends on where Britain must operate them. The Mediterranean and South China Sea expose carriers to nearby land airfields, which is why flight-deck protection remains part of the comparison. The Yorktowns are considered the more promising fit, while the Lexingtons would invite proposals for added protection. Ranger is assigned a possible transport-carrier role supporting Malta convoys.