Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:07:52-4:09:22

Why France bought the Vought Vindicator

France chose an available second-place design because the best American and British aircraft already occupied their manufacturers' production lines.

Aircraft ProcurementFrench NavyNaval AviationVought VindicatorWartime Production
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Question

Why did France order aircraft such as the Vought SB2U Vindicator?

Short answer

Because it could obtain them quickly while first-choice aircraft were committed to American and British orders.

Notes

Wartime procurement is constrained by delivery date as much as technical ranking. American and British services had already filled the production lines for the designs they considered best. France could obtain a runner-up such as the Vindicator sooner because it was not competing for the same full order book. A less capable aircraft available immediately can be more valuable than the winning design arriving after the operational need has passed.