Why the Supermarine Walrus remained indispensable

What was the best floatplane launched from warships, and why?

The Supermarine Walrus stands out for its search-and-rescue utility and its ability to perform a combination of duties that proposed replacements could not cover in sufficient numbers.

Some American floatplanes may have been better aircraft in a narrow performance comparison. The Supermarine Walrus nevertheless stands out for its search-and-rescue and reconnaissance work from warships. Repeated Air Ministry efforts to free Supermarine for more Spitfire production ran into the same practical problem. No other aircraft could perform all of the Walrus's required tasks in the necessary numbers, so production had to continue.