Lost naval orders push Fairey toward radial engines

Fairey later became closely associated with Pegasus-powered aircraft, though the company initially preferred high-speed liquid-cooled engines. Its design aim combined rugged airframes with as much speed as the available powerplant could provide. When Blackburn won important naval orders, Fairey had to ask why the Fleet Air Arm was not selecting its next flagship design. The resulting turn toward radial power appears here as a competitive response to procurement outcomes rather than a fixed company tradition.