When would Britain need to begin selecting aircraft for a war delayed until 1942, and what would it field?
Short answerWork would begin around 1936, producing radar-supported single-seat fighters and Barracuda-centered strike groups by 1942.
NotesAllowing roughly three years for assessment, ordering, and production places the first decisions around 1936. The resulting aircraft would be evolutions of available designs rather than wholly new generations, which makes that timetable plausible. Better shipboard radar and navigation beacons reduce the need for a second crew member in short-range fighter and air-defense roles. Long-range strike and reconnaissance work still benefits from a navigator, leaving a likely air group built around a new Supermarine fighter and the Fairey Barracuda.