Indefatigable offered roughly 6,700 nautical miles against about 5,600 for Lion. The quoted difference of approximately 1,080 nautical miles was useful for distant service, although it came with lower combat speed and capability. A slightly modified Lion could extend its endurance if that requirement justified the change. Britain's many coaling stations also reduced the burden of supporting these coal-burning ships overseas. Range therefore required an operational comparison that included available bases.
Notable Point · 24:42-26:14
Lion's shorter range and imperial coaling stations
Lion's shorter nominal endurance had to be weighed against its speed and Britain's extensive coaling network.