alternatehistory.com

The Finns used the Buffalo to great effect against the Soviets. Some of it was because it was a secondary theater for the Russians who used their best planes and pilots elsewhere. However it is also true the Finns improved them. Let us say that US Intelligence somehow finds out that 1) The Finns are using the buffalo to good effect and 2) Upgraded them before they did so and were able to find out what the upgrades were. The US also has to avoid the NIH syndrome. I admit this is a pretty long shot scenario but it isn't ASB.

So let us assume the US starts upgrading the Buffalo starting Nov 15, 1941. Of course the upgrade won't be complete by Midway but some planes will be upgraded. Most likely those starting at the PI and to a lesser extent PH. These are the most likely places for Japan to attack if they hit the US directly and it is fairly obvious by looking at a map. So the Buffalos would no longer be almost completely useless. What changes?
Top