In October 1942, modified Spitfire VCs could fly from Gibraltar to Malta with extra fuel and return to fighter configuration after arrival. This change ended the carrier club runs because fleet carriers no longer had to carry fighters into launch range of the island. Direct ferry flights reduced the ships, escorts, and exposed launch operations needed for each reinforcement. A range improvement released scarce naval assets and simplified an exposed logistics chain.
Notable Point · 47:22-50:11
Long-range Spitfires end the club-run era
Long-range Spitfire VC modifications allowed direct flights from Gibraltar to Malta and ended the carrier club runs.