Q&A ยท 33:39-35:08

A supersonic naval fighter changes Falklands carrier design and losses

Explore how a P.105-style supersonic fighter could force larger British carriers and produce a far stronger combat air patrol.

Question

What effect would a P.105-type supersonic carrier fighter have on the Invincible class and the Falklands War?

Short answer

It would likely produce a roughly 35,000-ton carrier with better radar, airborne early warning, and a combat air patrol capable of sharply reducing British losses.

Notes

A larger supersonic aircraft would require an Invincible-class carrier closer to 35,000 tons rather than the historical ship. The fighter could carry a radar comparable to the later Sea Harrier FA.2's Blue Vixen, making fleet air defence a design requirement from the outset. A ship of that size might also support airborne early warning rather than improvising it after combat experience. With radar coverage and an extended combat air patrol, British losses in the Falklands could fall dramatically.