Would the Bréguet 112 have been a better choice for the French Navy than the Vought F-8 Crusader?
Short answerProbably not in capability or capacity, though it could have strengthened national prestige and Anglo-French industrial cooperation.
NotesAn indigenous aircraft offered national prestige, but carrier aviation imposed harder practical demands. The Bréguet's electronics and engine reliability counted against its elegant appearance and French design. The Vought F-8 Crusader was the stronger choice on capability and available capacity. A joint Anglo-French programme could still have carried political and industrial value. Sustained cooperation might also have strengthened the case for continuing British carrier aviation around the CVA-01 era.