Q&A · 2:09:20-2:10:23

Town-class cruisers and their Swordfish allowance

A Royal Navy alternative examines how full Swordfish allocations for Town-class cruisers would strengthen reconnaissance and aircraft reserves.

Question

What if every Town-class cruiser began the Second World War with its planned five Swordfish aircraft?

Short answer

The larger aircraft allowance would improve cruiser reconnaissance and provide additional airframes, crews and spares for sustained operations.

Notes

The proposed allocation is five Swordfish aboard each Town-class cruiser, three assembled and two boxed, with five more boxed ashore for each ship. The estimate offered is around 120 additional Swordfish across the force, together with the spare parts and crews for them. Additional aircraft would improve cruiser reconnaissance and searching. Reserve airframes, support personnel and spare parts would also help sustain operational strength.