Which fighter, dive bomber, torpedo bomber, and scout would make the best 1939 naval force?
Short answerThe preferred choices are the Swordfish as torpedo bomber, Skua as dive bomber, Catalina as scout, and Japan's A5M as fighter, with availability in 1939 governing the selection.
NotesSeveral famous American and Japanese types had not yet entered service, so the stated year changes the comparison. The Swordfish takes the torpedo-bomber role because it could absorb damage and return to work quickly. The Blackburn Skua takes the dive-bomber place because stronger American candidates arrived later, while the Catalina supplies the long-range scouting capability. Japan's A5M is the fighter choice, explicitly distinguished from the later Zero. Availability in 1939 and suitability for each mission matter more than reputations earned later in the war.