A hypothetical Fleet Air Arm air group combines the desired interceptor fighters with Fulmars and Swordfish. The slow biplane creates a surprising problem for a much faster Bf 109 making a diving attack. A pilot who judges the closing speed badly could overshoot and expose the underside of the fighter to the Swordfish's gun. Flying very low and slowly changes the geometry of the encounter, even when the fighter has much better performance on paper. This is an imagined engagement, rather than a claim about a particular combat victory.
Notable Point · 3:33:56-3:35:20
How a fast fighter could overshoot a Swordfish
A hypothetical Bf 109 attack shows how excessive closing speed could expose a fast fighter to a slow Swordfish's gun.