A more useful German seaplane-carrier path

A genuine seaplane carrier could have maintained aircraft, launched replacements, and extended reconnaissance for German surface raiders. Disguising or supporting it as a merchant vessel would have complemented the supply ships already sustaining commerce-raiding operations. Such support might have helped a Deutschland-class raider such as Admiral Graf Spee avoid interception at the Battle of the River Plate. It could not reverse the overwhelming strategic pursuit that ultimately prevented the raider's return home, but it might have prolonged the cruise and created further problems. The proposal builds on Imperial German seaplane-carrier experience while keeping the role distinct from a fleet carrier.