Q&A · 1:29:12-1:29:50

Would Swordfish still be a frontline aircraft in 1942?

The expectation is that production and frontline use would largely have moved on, with secondary employment still possible.

Question

Would the Royal Navy still use Swordfish if war began in 1942?

Short answer

The expectation is that production and frontline use would largely have moved on, with secondary employment still possible.

Notes

Albacore was intended as an interim replacement. Continued development without the same wartime production pressures gives newer aircraft more opportunity to take over. The answer leaves room for older Swordfish to survive in other roles rather than predicting their immediate disappearance.