Was the Swordfish requirement issued by the RAF or the Royal Navy?
Short answerIt originated with naval carrier and Fleet Air Arm needs but passed through both Admiralty and Air Ministry review before reaching industry.
NotesBefore naval aviation returned fully to Admiralty control, requirements followed a complicated institutional circuit. The rear admiral responsible for carriers and mixed Royal Navy and RAF Fleet Air Arm officers first framed the operational need. Admiralty and Air Ministry staffs then each amended the requirement before industry submitted designs. Air Ministry establishments conducted the initial official tests, after which the Fleet Air Arm reported back to the Admiralty on whether the aircraft met the original need. The process helps explain why naval aircraft could embody compromises among several authorities even when the requirement began aboard the fleet.