Renown and Hood could operate alongside Ark Royal without holding back the carrier's speed. Nelson and Rodney supplied heavy hitting power when needed, but their lower speed constrained the force. Two F3s expected to reach at least 28 knots would have offered a different combination of carrier support and surface firepower. In the proposed encounter, both would accompany Ark Royal against Italian capital ships. Their fifteen-inch guns would give the carrier a stronger surface escort than Renown alone.
Notable Point · 3:09:57-3:12:42
Why faster capital ships mattered to Force H
An F3-style Nelson and Rodney could have kept pace with Ark Royal while providing stronger protection against Italian capital ships.