Well, a quick check onCarl Schwamberger wrote: ↑04 May 2020, 00:21My question concerning the penetration of aircraft bombs came from thoughts about mobility reduction. The CV Ranger is not supposed to have torpedoes or torpedo planes in May 1941. So, its all on the 40 odd dive bombers it had to sortie vs the target. A look at the pictures suggests 2/3s of the Bismarcks length, from rudder mount to forward boiler compartment was mobility dedicated. & it looks like all that was under armor.
If notionally 30 dive bombers attack a 10% hit rate or three bombs seems reasonable. So continuing with crude numbers 2/3s or two bombs hit over or adjacent to boiler, engine, propulsion & steering, with 1000lb bombs cause enough damage to reduce speed. If not the Bismarck escapes, otherwise the speed/manuver damage OTL are reproduced & its run down.
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/h ... -1942.html
Shows VT-4 was aboard Ranger with 6 TBD-1 in March and Wasp had VT-7 aboard with 6 TBD-1 at the same time...
On April 15th 1942 Ranger had VT-4 aboard with 7 TBD-1...
The squadron was formed in January 1942.
You might also note that the Ranger was flying SB2U Vindicators in 1941 not SBD...