Q&A · 3:11:44-3:14:58

An earlier Fleet Air Arm could accelerate engine development

Returning naval aviation to Royal Navy control in 1923 could focus procurement on the engine power required for carrier missions.

Question

What if the Royal Navy regained control of the Fleet Air Arm in 1923?

Short answer

It would probably push engine power harder and bring more capable carrier aircraft into service before 1939.

Notes

Royal Navy experience with motor boats and torpedoes had already taught planners that more power expanded practical options. Direct naval control of aviation from 1923 could carry that preference into engine procurement. Pushing beyond the 1,000-horsepower plateau might produce 1,500-horsepower engines by 1939. Aircraft filling the historical Swordfish and Skua roles could then become faster monoplanes with more useful payload and performance.