An enlarged carrier force would change the conditions surrounding the attacks that historically damaged Illustrious in January 1941. Japanese fighters could share the defensive workload, and an American contribution might bring Wildcats. That would reduce dependence on Fulmars and their available spares, although the exact air group remains conditional. Effective cooperation would also require Japanese and American crews to learn British fighter-control methods. British night-attack practice would provide another area for shared training.
Notable Point · 2:30:04-2:31:15
Extra fighters could change Illustrious's air defence
Zeroes and possible Wildcats could relieve the Fulmars while Allied crews learned British fighter control.