The expected threat was high-level bombing, so the desired fighter emphasized rapid climb, useful speed, reliable power, night interception, and two-way radio. The stated climb benchmark was 15,000 feet in nine and a half minutes. F.7/30 and the gull-wing Supermarine Type 224 belonged to the development path that eventually produced the Hurricane and Spitfire. Supermarine requested the name Seafire in 1937 and received approval in 1938. Work on the Rolls-Royce Kestrel and Goshawk also helped lead towards the Merlin, tying fighter requirements to engine development. The period's threat assessment was understandable even though manoeuvring warships proved difficult targets for high-altitude bombing.
Notable Point · 2:40-6:24
F.7/30 and the rapid-climb interceptor
Specification F.7/30 and Supermarine's Type 224 illustrate the rapid-climb, night-capable interceptor concept behind later British fighter development.