Q&A ยท 32:08-32:27

What earlier Blackburn Skua procurement changes

Moving the Blackburn Skua programme earlier improves the Fleet Air Arm's development schedule and could bring a second dive-bomber design by 1939.

Question

Would bringing the Blackburn Skua into service earlier make the programme better?

Short answer

Yes in timeline terms, because earlier service could put the Fleet Air Arm onto its second dive-bomber design by 1939.

Notes

Bringing the Blackburn Skua into service earlier changes the programme's timetable while leaving the aircraft's inherent qualities the same. The Fleet Air Arm would begin learning from the type sooner. That experience moves the next development cycle forward. On this schedule, a second dive-bomber design could be arriving by 1939.