Why the Fairey Gannet beat Blackburn's B.54 and B.88

Why did the Blackburn B.54 and B.88 lose to the Fairey Gannet?

The Gannet appeared more reliable and practical, while Blackburn was increasingly focused on jet-aircraft development.

Propulsion reliability was probably a major factor in the anti-submarine-aircraft competition. The Gannet's arrangement appeared more dependable and practical for the Royal Navy's intended mission. Blackburn was also moving more of its design attention toward jet aircraft, reducing the institutional momentum behind the B.54 and B.88 alternatives. The choice therefore combined technical risk with each manufacturer's wider development priorities. The precise weighting remains uncertain, although an unusual design could still be the safer service option.