The Bofors was not an established U.S. Navy weapon during the 1930s. American procurement continued trying to make the 1.1-inch gun work while the Bofors selection and production program developed. As a result, the 40 mm Bofors entered U.S. service in 1942, roughly a year after it entered Royal Navy service. The timing illustrates how an institution's commitment to an existing program can delay adoption even when a stronger foreign design is available.
Notable Point · 32:42-34:18
The U.S. Navy reaches the Bofors after the 1.1-inch gun
American pursuit of the troubled 1.1-inch gun delayed Bofors fleet service until 1942, a year after Royal Navy adoption.