How would carrier-capable medium twin-engine bombers such as the B-25 or Mosquito have changed the Pacific War?
Short answerThey would sharply increase Allied strike range, potentially reverse Japan's range advantage, and force the construction of larger carriers.
NotesAn early fast twin-engine carrier aircraft would greatly extend Allied engagement range. In the Pacific it might put Japanese carriers inside Allied strike radius while their own aircraft remained out of range; in the Mediterranean it would create a similarly dangerous British reach. Accommodating a useful air group of larger aircraft would also drive carrier designs such as Audacious toward Malta-class dimensions. A later follow-up suggests Ark Royal could probably adapt, Illustrious would struggle, and later armoured carriers might have to be designed around twin-engine aircraft from the outset.