Judging the Fulmar against the Spitfire alone overlooks the demands of carrier service. The later Seafire's breakages illustrate the difficulties of adapting that land-fighter lineage to deck operations. Aircraft suitable for combat air patrol in 1945 also differed substantially from their 1940-41 versions. The comparison must therefore use the aircraft and tactics available at the time. A successful late-war practice does not establish that an early-war fighter could perform the same task under the same conditions.
Notable Point · 30:52-32:36
Why the Fulmar needs a carrier-specific comparison
The Fulmar's role depends on early-war carrier requirements; comparisons with later Spitfires and Seafires can import capabilities and tactics that were not yet available.