In the decisive clash between the German and British navies, the Imperial Navy's two aircraft carriers, the *Pioneer* and the *Glory*, took part in the battle. These carriers unleashed their air wings, launching an assault on the British Navy's capital ships. The carrier-based aircraft delivered torpedo strikes that inflicted devastating losses on the British fleet.
Though constrained by technological limitations, the current carrier-based aircraft were only able to carry lightweight torpedoes. However, the British Navy's early pre-dreadnoughts, with their inadequate armor, were unable to withstand even these lighter torpedoes.
While it was the battleships and battlecruisers that played the decisive role in Germany's victory over the British Navy, the formidable strength unleashed by the combination of aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft was nonetheless remarkable.
Thanks to Qin Tian's influence, Germany had become the first nation in the world to build aircraft carriers and deploy carrier-based aircraft. In this field, Germany was already at the forefront of global advancements. Yet, despite this, the Imperial Navy continued to develop this domain, for their carriers and aircraft were still far from meeting the standards set by Qin Tian.
Following the *Pioneer*-class carriers, the German Navy had four more aircraft carriers under construction. These vessels, significantly larger than their predecessors, boasted a full-load displacement of over 26,000 tons. This allowed for larger flight decks and hangars, capable of accommodating more combat aircraft. These carriers were designated the *Emperor William* class, with the first ship named *Emperor William*, followed by *Frederick III*, *William II*, and *William III*.
The *Emperor William* aircraft carrier could carry 64 aircraft, including 18 fighters, 24 bombers, and 24 torpedo bombers. In contrast, the previous *Pioneer*-class carriers carried only fighters and torpedo bombers. Due to technological constraints, bombers on earlier carriers struggled to hit surface targets unless employing dive bombing tactics. Consequently, torpedo bombers were the primary choice due to their higher accuracy. However, as the war progressed, technology advanced, and bombers were able to somewhat reliably engage surface targets, albeit with lower accuracy. This made the deployment of bombers on carriers feasible. Additionally, the heaviest armor on battleships typically covered the waterline, turret fronts, and bridge, while the deck armor remained relatively thin. Aerial attacks on these vulnerable areas proved much more effective than traditional naval bombardment.
In the future *Emperor William*-class carrier strike groups, bombers and torpedo bombers would work in tandem, further enhancing the combat effectiveness of the carrier-based air wing.
Although the four *Emperor William*-class carriers had not yet been commissioned, the air wings were already undergoing training and had achieved combat readiness. Once the carriers entered service, their air wings would be ready for immediate deployment.
The primary force Qin Tian planned to use against the British fleet, composed of pre-dreadnoughts and armored cruisers, were these carrier-based aircraft. Their involvement in this offensive would serve as a near-real combat exercise.
Upon Qin Tian's orders, the Imperial Navy's air wing immediately began preparations. Large numbers of aircraft were relocated in successive flights to nearby airfields near Le Havre, awaiting deployment.
Fortunately, while the French aviation industry was not as advanced as Germany's, and their aircraft had been severely outclassed by German fighters, France had still constructed several airfields. Within a short distance of Le Havre, two such airfields existed, allowing the four air wings to be stationed there.
General Krupp, commander of the 1st Army Corps, and General Ludendorff, chief of staff of the 8th Army Corps, personally traveled to the airfields to welcome the arrival of the Navy's air wing. After all, these air units were here to assist them.
"General, good to see you!" greeted Admiral von Ingolstadt, commander of the Navy's air wing, who was personally leading the operation.
Since the German Navy's carrier strike groups were still in their infancy, their organization was somewhat chaotic. To streamline the training and development of the air units, a dedicated carrier aviation command was established, with Admiral von Ingolstadt appointed as its first commander.
"Good to see you as well, Admiral Ingolstadt. We are grateful for your assistance," said General Krupp with a smile.
The pressure that Krupp and Ludendorff had been under in recent days was immense. But now, with the arrival of the air units, that pressure had dissipated. If the air wing could decisively defeat the British fleet, capturing Le Havre would be all but assured.
"General, we are merely fulfilling our orders. Besides, it is dishonorable for the British to use their fleet to bombard our land forces. The Imperial Navy will not allow them to continue their unprovoked aggression!" Admiral Ingolstadt replied.
"Excellent, Admiral Ingolstadt. I look forward to seeing the Imperial Navy's air units eliminate the British warships and avenge our soldiers who perished under their bombardment," General Krupp said.
"We will ensure their destruction, General. You have my word!" Admiral Ingolstadt assured, his confidence unwavering.
The four air wings participating in this operation were equipped with the latest and most advanced carrier-based aircraft in the German Navy. The bombers carried 250-kilogram bombs, while the torpedo bombers were armed with 450-millimeter heavy torpedoes, far more powerful than the lighter torpedoes used previously. The British Navy's pre-dreadnoughts and armored cruisers had weak defenses and would be unable to withstand such a concentrated aerial assault.
Regrettably, the British Expeditionary Force and the Royal Navy were unaware of the impending danger. They were still celebrating their success in thwarting the German advance on Le Havre, convinced that the Germans had exhausted all options. They would soon realize how gravely mistaken they were.