A figure of 4,000 daily sorties is examined by asking what allowance it makes for aircraft losses. Enemy action is only one source of attrition. Pilot fatigue, mistakes, damaged aircraft crashing on return and accidents can also reduce the force available for later missions. Damage to airfields can further constrain operations. China's extensive supporting infrastructure would give Taiwan identifiable targets as the campaign continued.
Notable Point · 1:47:24-1:48:40
Sustained sortie rates must account for aircraft attrition
A proposed 4,000 sorties per day needs allowances for combat losses, fatigue, accidents and damage to supporting airfields.