Navalizing the P.94 as a Fairey Fulmar alternative

The argument continues by comparing a navalized P.94 with the Fairey Fulmar rather than treating the Fulmar as a simple derivative of the Fairey Battle. Folding wings, a tailhook, and reinforced landing gear would add weight, but the commenter argues that the P.94 might still have sat between the Fulmar and Seafire in size while retaining speed, durability, firepower, and easier deck handling. That combination is presented as a possible earlier analogue to some capabilities of the later Fairey Firefly and a stronger Fleet Air Arm fighter against Japanese aircraft. Air Ministry officials made their choices without hindsight, even though some decisions look eccentric in retrospect. The watch point is therefore a counterfactual procurement comparison, not a claim that paper estimates guarantee operational success.