Japanese force planning attempted to have each carrier, its air group and the required pilots ready at the same moment. That synchronization avoided maintaining unused aircraft or personnel, but it also left little reserve capacity to absorb development delays. Aircraft projects and engine experiments were driven toward immediate operational requirements, with too little industrial depth for a broader program of experimental development. Nakajima could produce reliable, light radials, yet Japan remained slightly behind in absolute horsepower as airframes grew heavier. The comparison is with the Rolls-Royce Merlin II, which had reached a reliable 1,030 horsepower in 1938, before the Zero entered service.
Notable Point · 1:05:48-1:08:32
Synchronized force planning leaves no development slack
Japan tries to bring carriers, air groups, pilots, and engines into service together, creating an efficient plan with too little spare capacity when development slips.