The Pacific fleet programme immediately raises the question of which aircraft will fill the new carriers. R. J. Mitchell's folding-wing, Merlin-powered fighter concept suggests that a domestic single-seat design could receive priority. Swordfish remains valuable for night strikes even though its age makes it a poor general solution. The disappointing Albacore might be skipped, heavily modified, or replaced sooner by Barracuda. Promising designs still have to be produced in enough numbers to supply both carrier fighters and strike aircraft.
Notable Point · 49:16-50:16
A Pacific war reshapes Fleet Air Arm aircraft priorities
A folding-wing Merlin fighter, the Swordfish's night role, and an earlier move beyond the Albacore illustrate how a Pacific war could redirect British naval-aircraft priorities.