Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:52:40-4:53:52

Britain enters World War II without an independent RAF

Separate army and naval air arms would favour tactical support and maritime aviation while weakening the heavy-bomber programme.

Air PowerFleet Air ArmRoyal Flying CorpsRoyal Naval Air Service
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Question

How would British aircraft development change if the RAF had never been created after the First World War?

Short answer

Tactical and naval aviation would be stronger, joint types could survive, and the heavy-bomber force would probably be weaker.

Notes

A continuing Royal Flying Corps would likely emphasise fast tactical support aircraft and fighters for home defence. The Royal Naval Air Service would preserve stronger control over maritime strike, long-range patrol, and carrier development. The two services had cooperated over aircraft types during the First World War, so separate institutions need not reproduce the extreme procurement rivalry seen between the Japanese army and navy. Heavy bombers would be the main British weakness because no independent air force would make strategic bombing its central institutional mission.