Extensive wind-tunnel trials at RAE Farnborough examined both monoplane and biplane forms between late 1936 and mid-1937. A monoplane promised advantages, yet folding or stowing its larger wing and holding the correct height and speed for torpedo release looked risky for carrier use. The design might work in theory, but the apparent margin for a successful delivery remained narrow. Because the Royal Navy emphasized long-range night strikes while outnumbered, it prioritized the biplane arrangement that reduced crew workload under difficult operational conditions.
Notable Point · 24:54-27:34
Why the Albacore remained a biplane
Wind-tunnel work suggested a monoplane could work, but storage and stable low-speed torpedo delivery made the biplane the safer operational choice.