The Luftwaffe, led by Herman Goering, had several disadvantages, concerning both tactics and leadership. Primarily, German air force fighters contained only enough fuel for them to cross the channel and have approximately 30 minutes flying time over England. If shot down, the German pilots would become Prisoners of War, whereas RAF pilots could recuperate and return to duty. It has been suggested that Goering did not fully comprehend modern air warfare; Luftwaffe targets were continually shifted, causing confusion amongst pilots- often many didn’t know where their formation was headed.
These German disadvantages did not bode well when coupled with advantages held by the RAF. Led by Air Chief Marshall Hugh Dowding, it appeared the RAF had a good chance of success. Dowding had planned the British Air Defence system since 1936 and used technological advances and improvements to great effects, for example bulletproof windscreens for fighter planes.
The RAF also had a very important tool, much overlooked by those in charge of the Luftwaffe- Radar. It enabled a very fast response time to approaching German Aircraft, also allowing an estimation of the attack force’s size and speed. Without radar, bombing RAF bases would have been much easier for the Luftwaffe, and it is one of the most important factors concerning the fighting success of the British Fighter Pilots. Once airborne, Spitfires and Hurricanes encompassed the main attack force of the RAF, the Luftwaffe could only really compete with the Messer Schmitt 109, considered a fair match for the Spitfire. This can relate to the importance of morale in battles, and it seemed to be on the RAF’s side- statistics show that German aircraft losses were greater than the British by over 500 planes.
Even with the advantages the RAF had, the Luftwaffe bombings were a success, and had it not been for a great tactical error, Operation Sea Lion may well have succeeded. In September, tactics were changed to begin bombing London, later other cities. While this was a most horrific phase for civilians, it gave the RAF “breathing space” – time to rebuild bases and help protect Britain. This change in tactics was an indication of Hitler’s intent. No longer concerned with plans to destroy the RAF, it seemed he had no ambition to continue Operation Sea Lion. This was how Britain was able to win the fight for air superiority over Great Britain.
Concisely, due to the disadvantages the Luftwaffe faced fighting the RAF, including its experienced Air Chief Marshall, a defence system developed for four years and the powerful new radar, Britain was able to defend itself, dissuading further attempts of invasion.