The Fairey Swordfish was a sensible long-range strike aircraft for the requirement and technology of its time. Fleet Air Arm preference for two-seat aircraft reflected the value of carrying a navigator on long flights from a moving ship. Adding another crew member imposed weight and performance costs, just as every human placed in an aircraft creates design tradeoffs. The extra crew was the price of solving the practical navigation problem faced by aircraft operating far from a moving carrier.
Notable Point · 12:26-13:10
Swordfish crews reveal over-water navigation tradeoffs
Fleet Air Arm interest in multi-seat aircraft followed the practical need to navigate long distances over open water.