Tempest squadrons in the defence of Malta

How would four Tempest squadrons sent to Malta change the fighting?

They would heavily punish Axis aircraft and shipping at low and medium altitude, though they would be less effective against high-flying fighters.

The scenario brings four Tempest squadrons to Malta in 1940 with the spare parts needed to support them. Their striking power would make them a serious threat to Italian forces and later German aircraft and shipping. Low- and medium-altitude work receives the strongest endorsement. The panel disputes the numerical boundary of medium altitude and gives inconsistent estimates of the aircraft's effective ceiling. The useful distinction is between a force optimised for lower-altitude fighting and one expected to perform high-altitude interception. The prediction therefore depends on the mission as well as the unusually early arrival of the aircraft.