Percival's 1931 programme treated aircraft and anti-aircraft strength as complementary requirements. He favored building carriers up to treaty limits and developing merchant shipping for aviation conversion, rather than adding hybrid types or overloading gun ships with aircraft. Unused cruiser tonnage could then strengthen gun defense, apart from the requirement for a fleet flagship and possibly a relief. Better weapons and tactics were only part of the problem: the fleet also needed improved aircraft, submarines, and listening devices for information and security. Cash prizes, substantial contracts, and other incentives could put commercial firms to work on urgent material needs. The Navy Department would concentrate on problems that outside firms could not solve.
Notable Point · 7:53-10:16
Percival linked fleet air defense to industrial capacity
A 1931 proposal combined carrier development, merchant conversion, AA cruiser tonnage, and commercial incentives to prepare a fleet for air warfare.