How might the war change if Japan adopted British pilot training and night carrier operations while building more carriers?
Short answerA deeper pilot-training system could prolong carrier effectiveness, and night flying could change the initial attack; the value of canceling Yamato remains disputed.
NotesBritish-style training and night flying could make a Japanese carrier force more durable as well as more flexible. A Pearl Harbor strike around one in the morning is suggested as a way to worsen the initial attack, with exposed fuel stores also mentioned. The larger issue is replacing pilots: Japan is described as exhausting trained aircrew before running out of carrier hulls. A stronger training pipeline could prolong effective carrier operations. The proposal to cancel Yamato meets a separate objection that a stronger carrier arm could help set up engagements for Japan's battle line, giving the battleships a useful role alongside it.