How Barracuda delays produced the Albacore stopgap

Repeated engine changes delayed the Barracuda programme, which was intended to deliver an aircraft around 1940. The Albacore emerged as an expedient response to those delays, using an available engine that met the required maritime operating criteria. Its Taurus engine initially proved less reliable than the Swordfish's Pegasus. Later versions improved, but the aircraft retained the reputation created by those early difficulties. The Albacore's rushed development followed disruption of the intended Barracuda replacement.