More Sea Harriers could reduce Falklands losses

Depending on loading, the hypothetical force could take 40 or more Sea Harriers south, with estimates reaching 48 or 52. Forty aircraft with airborne early warning would make two four-aircraft combat air patrols easier to sustain, while 52 approaches the capacity for three daytime patrols and one overnight. The limited pattern of Argentine night attacks would leave more opportunity for aircraft maintenance. Even a 28-aircraft Sea Harrier force could maintain a patrol, alert fighters and surge capacity with airborne early warning. Ground-attack Harriers could add laser-guided bombing capability. Ship losses could fall by half or even be eliminated, although additional carriers and aircraft would not solve every problem. Avoiding the Sir Galahad disaster or the container-ship loss would also preserve logistics assets and change the campaign's support.