What if German aircraft had concentrated on the Salerno landings instead of attacking the surrendered Italian fleet?
Short answerThey could cause damage, but strong carrier-based fighter cover would disrupt Fritz X guidance and sharply limit the payoff.
NotesThe Germans already attacked targets around Salerno as well as striking the Italian fleet. Fleet carriers offshore supplied fighter cover, while escort carriers operated closer in to support the landing. That radar-directed fighter presence made line-of-sight guidance for Fritz X and similar weapons difficult to maintain. German aircraft might still score hits, but conventional weapons could become more practical than guided standoff attacks under sustained interception.