Q&A · 4:02:01-4:05:09

What if Japan adopted British carrier training?

Night operations could worsen the opening attack, while a stronger replacement-pilot pipeline would sustain Japanese carrier strength for longer.

Question

How might the war change if Japan adopted British pilot training and night carrier operations while building more carriers?

Short answer

A deeper pilot-training system could prolong carrier effectiveness, and night flying could change the initial attack; the value of canceling Yamato remains disputed.

Notes

British-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.