The Fulmar's Merlin engine was excellent, but the same engine family was urgently needed by fighters defending Britain. Replacement parts were difficult to deliver to Alexandria and other distant bases, and the Desert Air Force faced the same allocation problem. The shortage could be mistaken for inherent unreliability when worn components simply could not be replaced to normal standards. The Fulmar's reputation also suffered because air defence is remembered most when it fails: broken-up or defeated strikes make fewer headlines than an attacker that reaches a carrier.
Notable Point · 53:23-58:46
Merlin spares and the Fulmar's invisible successes
Battle of Britain demand starved overseas Fulmars of Merlin spares, while successful interceptions attracted less notice than the attacks that leaked through.