Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:22:54-2:24:26

How Admiralty money could conceal aviation development

Vickers equipment appearing without an obvious Air Ministry funding trail suggests that broader Admiralty contracts could support undeclared aviation research.

Dive BombingFleet Air ArmNaval ProcurementVickers
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Question

Did naval projects ever receive money indirectly through other contracts?

Short answer

Probably; Vickers aviation equipment suggests Admiralty funding may have supported undeclared work alongside legitimate ship-related contracts.

Notes

The Skua's dive-bombing sight appears in the record with surprisingly little visible development funding. Similar mysteries surround engines and other Fleet Air Arm equipment available as war begins. Legitimate Admiralty payments to Vickers for naval work could also have financed related aviation projects. Sudden wartime availability is therefore a clue to research hidden inside another contract rather than proof that a system appeared from nowhere.