Why Albacore crews missed the Swordfish's agility

Pilots approached another Fairey biplane expecting an improved Swordfish, then encountered heavier controls during a dangerous phase of the attack. A Swordfish could become remarkably agile after releasing its torpedo, helping its crew escape the target's anti-aircraft fire. The Albacore could still maneuver, but its greater weight denied pilots the effortless response they associated with its predecessor. An evolved Swordfish might have preserved decades of accumulated handling and night-operating experience more successfully.