AHC: American aircraft reinforce and fight in the defense of Malta

This challenge is in response to having a British carrier at Midway:

In 1942 have the United States send aircraft to join in the defense of Malta and fight through the rest of the siege.

Also for a bonus have naval aircraft ( Wildcats, the Dauntless and Avengers) operate out of Malta. The reason being that maybe they would be easier to transport to Malta via aircraft carrier (Wasp). Royal Navy FAA pilots flying Wildcats is acceptable.

Twin engine bombers (B-25s A-20s ) are also welcome.
 
This challenge is in response to having a British carrier at Midway:

In 1942 have the United States send aircraft to join in the defense of Malta and fight through the rest of the siege.

Also for a bonus have naval aircraft ( Wildcats, the Dauntless and Avengers) operate out of Malta. The reason being that maybe they would be easier to transport to Malta via aircraft carrier (Wasp). Royal Navy FAA pilots flying Wildcats is acceptable.

Twin engine bombers (B-25s A-20s ) are also welcome.

I think in 1942 the Wildcats are desperately needed for its intended role in larger numbers than can be provided - so I don't think they would be sent to Malta!

I think we are looking at late P40s as being the most likely candidate for US fighters being sent to the Island
 
According to Wikipedia USS Ranger delivered P40s to the African coast I the summer of 42. What if Churchill asked Roosevelt for some help in the Med and at least a squadron of P40s was sent to Malta?
 
The P-40 was very useful in North Africa because it was a superb fighter-bomber with a secondary defensive fighter role. What was needed on Malta during the German onslaught were primary defensive fighters, Spitfires. When they got them, they needed more. Nothing else would do. Certainly not Wildcats. During some periods, P-38s were also mauled by German fighters, badly. During the Spitfires over Malta period, it was only Spitfires, and even so, they could not perform escort to allow shipping strikes, during those periods, meaning Dauntless and Avengers are pointless.
 

TinyTartar

Banned
Is it possible in the timeframe to get Hellcats to Malta? Those might be able to do the job. The Wildcat got mauled by the Zero frequently, but the Hellcat seemed superior at times (it wouldn't get killed in the Japanese tactic of climbing and forcing a stall like the Wildcat would).

Perhaps the Hellcat would do well against German planes.
 
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