What if Royal Navy fire-observation aircraft received modern infrared systems and supporting training in 1938?
Short answerInfrared paired with ASV radar would improve night search, targeting, and gunnery spotting, with likely effects in Norway, at Matapan, and during Operation C.
NotesModern infrared would make warm ships conspicuous at night and complement the Fleet Air Arm's air-to-surface-vessel radar. Spotters could locate and direct fire onto opponents with less warning than active search alone. Norway, Cape Matapan, and Operation C are the campaigns where this advantage could materially change British night operations.