US and British carrier night fighters reflect different constraints

The quoted account explains that a narrow shortwave radar beam avoided sea reflections that could swamp a target's small echo. It then emphasizes American radar-equipped single-seat specialists and identifies the Firefly as Britain's only dedicated wartime carrier night-fighter variant. That wording understates the wider Fleet Air Arm policy because ordinary British fighters could be assigned night work without every airframe receiving a special radar fit. The United States had the resources to optimize specialist aircraft for the task, while Britain needed generalists that could remain useful wherever a carrier deployed. Both approaches suited different resources and requirements, although the American specialist promised a better result within its narrow role.