Britain invested more heavily in night flying than Japan. Japan maintained some night-aviation capability but saw too little advantage to accept the training losses and operational risks on the British scale. Its aircraft therefore emphasized speed and range for repeated attacks at arm's length. The ideal cycle was to strike hard, withdraw before the enemy could exploit superior numbers, preserve scarce crews and aircraft, and return to inflict another cut. The concept suited an American cross-Pacific advance more closely than a British Far East force centred on light China Station cruisers. A larger opponent could also withdraw after losses, rebuild, and return, so successful tactical attrition did not guarantee a strategic decision.
Notable Point · 1:06:19-1:08:00
Long-range strikes designed to hit and withdraw
Speed and range mattered because Japanese aircraft were expected to inflict damage, preserve themselves by withdrawing, and repeat the cycle.