Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:54:26-2:57:58

Earlier Fleet Air Arm integration would reshape more than displacement

Integrating the Fleet Air Arm around 1930 could save some weight while changing aircraft roles, engines, and carrier practice before 1939.

Aircraft CarriersArk RoyalFleet Air ArmIllustrious Class Aircraft CarriersNaval Aviation
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Question

How much would prewar Fleet Air Arm integration change British carriers and their air groups?

Short answer

The weight saving would be modest, but integration from about 1930 could substantially alter carrier design, aircraft roles, engine choices, and operational experience by 1939.

Notes

The direct displacement saving might be only a few hundred tons, but a decade of fully integrated naval aviation would have larger institutional effects. Likely changes include a clearer separation of dive-bomber and torpedo-strike roles, earlier fighter procurement, and stronger pressure for engines able to move heavier carrier aircraft. Ark Royal, the Illustrious class, and their air groups would consequently emerge from a different body of operational experience.