809 operated the Sea Hornet as an all-weather night-fighter and strike squadron, a role well matched to the aircraft's speed and handling. Its twin engines and broad airframe, however, demanded more flight-deck and hangar room than the Royal Navy's light and wartime-designed carriers could readily provide. Eric 'Winkle' Brown's exceptional praise shows that the aircraft itself was not the weak link. Platform compatibility, rather than flying performance, limited its naval career before the smaller jet-powered Sea Venom assumed the role.
Chapter · 28:45-33:20
The Sea Hornet met the limits of British carriers
The Sea Hornet was an exceptional night fighter and strike aircraft whose size made routine operation difficult from Britain's smaller postwar carriers.