The Skua was ordered in 1934 under the operational requirement process, which gave the Royal Navy direct control over aircraft specifications. Previously, the Navy had told the Air Ministry what it wanted and left the ministry to write the specification. That process involved lengthy exchanges and debate. The Navy had obtained aircraft capable of dive bombing, but it had been unable to secure a purpose-built dive bomber.
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How the Royal Navy shaped the Skua specification
The Skua's 1934 order used a new operational requirement process that gave the Royal Navy direct control over aircraft specifications.