Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:38:57-1:39:06

British interest in carrier-based airborne early warning

The Royal Navy considered carrier-based early warning well before modern AEW aircraft, including a Swordfish concept.

Airborne Early WarningAircraft CarriersFairey SwordfishWorld War II
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Question

Did Britain pursue an early airborne-warning concept during the Second World War?

Short answer

Yes. A carrier-based Swordfish airborne-early-warning concept was discussed.

Notes

Britain discussed carrier-borne airborne early warning during the Second World War. One proposal would have used the Swordfish in the warning role. The brief answer identifies an early concept and does not describe its equipment, maturity, or outcome. It provides a cautious starting point for tracing British carrier-based AEW proposals.