Naval fighter development ran into arguments over which service could use particular engines. Production already allocated to Air Ministry aircraft could leave the Fleet Air Arm without an engine that otherwise suited its designs. Some engines ordered for naval use were diverted under wartime demand. Engines of about 2,000 horsepower promised the power-to-weight ratios needed to compete with land-based aircraft. Engine allocation therefore affected how quickly the Navy could replace the Sea Gladiator with a modern fighter.
Notable Point · 1:59:34-2:00:59
Engine allocation restricts naval fighter development
Reserved production and wartime diversions restricted access to engines powerful enough for competitive naval aircraft.