Could motor torpedo boats help develop aircraft engines?

Would lighter, more powerful engines have to come before aircraft carriers?

Yes, but motor-torpedo-boat research could help because boats and aircraft often shared engines in this period.

Lighter and more powerful engines are a prerequisite for useful carrier aircraft. Motor torpedo boats are another likely recipient of the proposed research money. Boats and aircraft often share engines in this period, allowing improvements to move between the two fields. A naval propulsion programme could therefore advance aviation before the Admiralty began building carriers.