The Fairey Flycatcher gave skilled pilots considerable freedom to manoeuvre. British aviators used that agility during encounters with Italian and Japanese aircraft, displaying an ability to outfly them and encouraging them to leave. Such encounters made aircraft handling useful before any weapons were fired. A naval fighter could exert pressure through its manoeuvres and presence as well as through combat.
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Flycatcher agility becomes peacetime naval signalling
The fighter's exceptional manoeuvrability lets British pilots display practical air superiority during encounters with Italian and Japanese aircraft.