What limits carrier-based aircraft in attacking targets located far inland?

Carrier-based aircraft are primarily limited in attacking inland targets due to their operational range attributes. These aircraft are designed for naval operations and are generally optimized for engaging targets within a certain radius from their aircraft carriers. The distance they can effectively and safely engage inland targets is constrained by various factors, including fuel capacity and potential need for additional refueling.

In-flight refueling can extend the range of these aircraft significantly, allowing them to reach farther targets than they could on their own fuel reserves. However, without the ability to refuel in flight, their range becomes a major limitation, especially for targets that are located deep inland. As a result, the limited range without in-flight refueling directly impacts the operational effectiveness of carrier-based aircraft in executing missions that require striking targets far from the coastline.

Other factors like weather conditions, type of munitions, and crew experience do influence mission success but do not fundamentally limit the range of the aircraft in the same way that fuel capacity does. Understanding the operational limits of carrier-based aviation is crucial for effective strategic planning and mission execution.