Q&A · 2:10:56-2:12:05

Would the larger carrier force require more Atlantic Conveyors?

Stronger fleet air defence changes which aircraft must be transported south and how ground support might be delivered.

Question

Would the alternate Falklands force require more Atlantic Conveyor-style merchant-aircraft transports?

Short answer

Probably not; more Sea Harrier air cover could shift the reinforcement need toward ground-support helicopters rather than additional carrier conversions.

Notes

The larger carrier force would not simply multiply the number of Atlantic Conveyor-type ships. Additional RAF ground-attack aircraft are possible, but a much larger Sea Harrier force already supplies more air cover. That could make attack helicopters with rockets more attractive for local ground support. Lynx and other small helicopters also had useful anti-boat roles, although the historical air threat constrained such employment. One force-structure change reshapes the supporting logistics package instead of adding more of every historical asset.