The compressed-air trolley could dispatch a package of Me 109T fighters and Ju 87 attack aircraft. That gave the German carrier a credible first blow, followed by a pause while the stored air recharged. HMS Ark Royal, though smaller and lighter, could support a larger striking force. Graf Zeppelin could produce an impressive first launch, but its sustained operational capacity was less convincing.
Notable Point · 14:16-15:04
A 24-aircraft strike and the cost of recharging
Graf Zeppelin could launch a useful 24-aircraft strike, but its compressed-air system then needed recharging and its larger hull supported less striking power than Ark Royal.