Radar strengthened the case for an interceptor, but obtaining the aircraft remained a political and inter-service problem. The Royal Navy ordered the Fulmar while continuing to press for a high-performance single-seat fighter. In 1940 a proposed order for 50 early folding-wing naval Spitfires met opposition because Spitfire output was being prioritised for the RAF and continental operations. Churchill was one of the key opponents, and the dispute demonstrated how wartime allocation decisions could override a long-standing doctrinal requirement.
Chapter · 19:03-20:45
Seafire procurement and Churchill's opposition
The Royal Navy's pursuit of a folding-wing naval Spitfire collided with competing RAF and Army priorities in 1940.