Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:52:37-1:53:34

A Malta-class fleet would need carrier-onboard delivery aircraft

Large postwar British carriers would create a continuing requirement to move people, parts, and urgent cargo directly to the flight deck.

Airborne Early WarningFairey GannetMalta Class Aircraft CarriersMilitary LogisticsNaval Aviation
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Question

Would Malta-class carriers lead Britain to develop an aircraft like the C-2 Greyhound for carrier-onboard delivery?

Short answer

Probably. A large long-serving carrier fleet would need dedicated onboard delivery, with a Gannet-derived aircraft or another purpose-built design as a plausible answer.

Notes

A completed Malta class would operate far enough from shore to need regular delivery of urgent stores and personnel. Britain would likely develop or acquire an aircraft comparable in role to the American C-2 Greyhound. The Fairey Gannet demonstrates that British industry could build a robust carrier aircraft with useful internal volume, although an actual delivery variant would need to prioritize cargo access and payload. The requirement follows from carrier logistics rather than from one preferred airframe.