Alex argues that a successful night attack could have reduced the Japanese force's ability to retaliate the next day. British Martlets, Sea Hurricanes, and Fulmars could use radar direction to intercept incoming aircraft and disrupt their attacks. Their value in that task did not depend on matching the Zero in a turning fight. He also points to their firepower and ability to survive hits as advantages. This is a proposed response to a surviving Japanese strike force within the hypothetical battle.
Notable Point · 45:15-46:21
How radar-directed fighters could disrupt a Japanese strike
Firepower, resistance to damage, and radar direction underpin a proposed British defence after a successful night attack.