Why Illustrious would likely find the enemy first

Graf Zeppelin offers the strongest theoretical first strike among three flawed opponents, but Illustrious is more likely to locate them first through sustained carrier operations and reconnaissance.

Question

Which of Aquila, Béarn, or Graf Zeppelin would have the best chance against HMS Illustrious?

Short answer

Graf Zeppelin offers the best theoretical first strike, but Illustrious's reconnaissance and continuous air operations make it likelier to find and hit first.

Notes

Aquila is ruled out because its planned aircraft do not provide the required strike capability. Béarn and Graf Zeppelin could each offer a single attack, but sustaining aircraft operations is the larger problem. Illustrious is favored in reconnaissance because its design supports continuous flying, increasing the chance of finding and attacking its opponent first. Graf Zeppelin offers the strongest theoretical opening strike among the proposed challengers if it can achieve surprise. That condition makes it the preferred choice for the hypothetical encounter, although its prospects remain poor.