Illustrious conducted deck-landing trials for the Blackburn Firebrand, Fairey Firefly, and Barracuda in February 1943 before entering refit at Birkenhead. New radar, a longer flight deck, and stronger anti-aircraft armament accompanied changes to the arresting gear. Two additional wires aft of the rear lift gave faster aircraft more chances to catch a wire and stop earlier in their landing run. During Operation Avalanche at Salerno, Force H protected the amphibious force against the Italian fleet and covered the escort carriers providing direct support ashore. One Martlet escorted surrendering Italian aircraft to Sicily. A further refit after the operation added more flight-deck area and light anti-aircraft armament.
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Refit for faster aircraft and the Salerno landings
A 1943 refit lengthened the flight deck, improved radar and arresting gear, then prepared Illustrious for air cover at Salerno.