Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:57:58-1:58:27

Highball and the Sea Mosquito assessed

The Sea Mosquito is judged potentially valuable against Japan, while Highball appears much less attractive as a combat weapon.

HighballNaval AircraftPacific WarSea Mosquito
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Question

What is the assessment of Highball and the Sea Mosquito for carrier warfare?

Short answer

Highball was an unattractive combat proposition, but an operational Sea Mosquito could have been very useful against Japan.

Notes

Highball was ingenious, but releasing it under combat conditions would have been difficult and hazardous. Its novelty did not guarantee a useful carrier weapon. A carrier-capable Sea Mosquito offered clearer operational value through its range and performance. Had it entered service in time, those qualities could have been useful in a campaign against Japan.