The Royal Navy recognized that jets were coming, but it needed engines that could withstand sustained operations at sea. The discussion cites early Rolls-Royce engine lives below sixty hours even in favorable land conditions, with saltwater exposure adding another problem. This helps explain the continuing reliance on piston-powered Sea Furies during the Korean War. Royal Navy Meteor testing, including the Sea Meteor Mark III from 1946, and target-towing duties demonstrate interest in the technology without establishing readiness for routine carrier service. The exchange treats engine durability and maintenance as practical limits on introducing a faster aircraft.
Notable Point · 4:16:07-4:19:14
Why early jets struggled to replace carrier piston aircraft
Early carrier jets faced short engine lives and a heavy maintenance burden from prolonged saltwater exposure.