Q&A · 4:25:03-4:25:29

The Blackburn Roc was a fighter tied to Skua procurement

The Roc's fighter requirement came from interservice procurement bargaining surrounding the Skua and RAF turret fighters.

Blackburn Roc Blackburn Skua Naval Aviation Naval Procurement Royal Navy

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Question

Was the Blackburn Roc intended to perform a role like the Fleet Shadower?

Short answer

No. It was intended as a fighter, and its procurement was tied to the arrangements for obtaining the Skua and supporting RAF turret fighters.

Notes

The Blackburn Roc was intended as a fighter. Its procurement formed part of the political arrangement that allowed the Royal Navy to obtain the Skua. Naval acceptance also provided cover for RAF turret-fighter purchases despite objections within Fighter Command.