How would naval aviation change if the Royal Navy regained control of the Fleet Air Arm in 1932 rather than 1939?
Short answerReginald Henderson would likely gain aircraft procurement authority as Third Sea Lord, giving the Navy about five effective years to develop stronger engines and different carrier aircraft before the war.
NotesThe reorganization itself could consume roughly two years before procurement settled into a naval system. Henderson's influence might then push aero-engine development toward approximately 1,200 to 1,400 horsepower by 1939. With five years of consistent requirements, the aircraft used at Taranto and in early wartime carrier operations might look very different. A Barracuda-like design could also arrive earlier under sustained naval control.