The Fairey Swordfish fitted the period in which its design was considered in 1933. Calling it a poor paper design because it was a slow biplane applies the standards of later aircraft to an earlier requirement. Its successor was delayed, extending the Swordfish's service life. It continued to perform its intended work well, including beyond the familiar Bismarck example. The appropriate comparison is with the aircraft and requirements of its own design period.
Notable Point · 4:16:58-4:18:12
Judging the Swordfish in its own design period
The Swordfish suited its early-1930s design context, and delays to its successor kept it serving effectively for longer than intended.