If two-thirds of the projected 84 Swordfish carried torpedoes, the enlarged Taranto raid could launch 56 torpedoes. Giulio Cesare is expected to survive because there is virtually no way to line up a torpedo attack against her. A concentrated attack by all 24 Skuas is raised as an alternative, although those aircraft are expected to attack other targets and probably suppress anti-aircraft guns. Heavy damage to the rest of the battle fleet could leave ships beyond repair or out of action for months or years. Italy's limited repair facilities would then restrict how quickly surviving ships could return.
Notable Point · 45:25-47:29
Giulio Cesare and the limits of a larger Taranto raid
Torpedo approaches could spare Giulio Cesare even in a much larger Taranto raid, while Italy's repair capacity would limit recovery from damage elsewhere.