The older-carrier option could assemble about 114 Swordfish, 36 Fulmars, and three Sea Gladiators, while Ark Royal and Formidable introduce Skuas and Albacores. Formidable's likely early group draws on 826 and 829 Naval Air Squadrons, which helps explain why new Albacores appear in that route. Exact serviceability remains uncertain, but four ships concentrate maintainers and spares that can be exchanged between decks and shore bases. Swordfish could ferry parts between carriers and Malta, turning the air group itself into part of the maintenance network. This logistical mass makes a fuller strike more credible than simply multiplying each carrier's nominal complement.
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Four-carrier air groups and maintenance mass
Four carriers provide a larger air group and a shared pool of fitters, spare parts, transport aircraft, and serviceable machines.