Strategic bomber squadrons are the clearest example of nominal mobility concealing a fixed support burden. Their aircraft had great range, but the organisation could not move until a suitable base, maintenance system, fuel supply, and workshops existed. Britain similarly needed aviation-support ships and overseas facilities to sustain naval air power around the world. Counting aircraft or carriers without that infrastructure overstates how much operational power can actually be moved between theatres.
Notable Point · 3:05:51-3:06:45
Air power depends on immobile infrastructure
Aircraft and carriers cannot be counted apart from maintenance ships, bases, fuel, workshops, and the heavy support structure needed to keep them operating.