The historical raid was constrained by the aircraft available from a single carrier. Illustrious launched two waves, but one aircraft turned back and only ten torpedo attacks were ultimately delivered. The result was still severe: Conte di Cavour, Caio Duilio, and Littorio were hit, while other Italian battleships escaped. Dive-bombing also set oil tanks alight, extending the raid's damage beyond torpedo hits on the battle line. These figures provide the baseline for estimating what Eagle's participation might have changed.
Chapter · 10:02-11:10
The limited Swordfish striking force at Taranto
With only Illustrious available, the attack used two Swordfish waves; operational losses narrowed the number of torpedo attacks that reached the Italian battle line.