Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:34:37-2:35:05

More carriers keep Fulmar production and improvement moving

Earlier carrier availability increases the demand for Fulmars, keeping design effort attached to the type and making upgrades more likely before American fighters arrive in numbers.

Aircraft CarriersAircraft ProcurementCarrier AviationFairey FulmarFleet Air Arm
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Question

How would earlier British carriers affect Fleet Air Arm fighter procurement before Wildcats arrive?

Short answer

Britain would order more Fulmars and probably improve the type because the larger carrier force needs aircraft before American designs are available in sufficient numbers.

Notes

A larger operational carrier fleet needs aircraft immediately, before American Wildcat deliveries can fill every deck. The Fleet Air Arm would therefore order more Fulmars. Sustained production also makes it harder to pull the design team away and creates a stronger reason to improve the aircraft. The no-pause shipbuilding decision thus changes aviation procurement as well as the number of hulls.