Q&A · 3:08-3:39

Which jet took over the carrier strike role?

An opening question separates the aircraft that first covered fighter and attack duties from the Buccaneer that matured the Fleet Air Arm's jet strike capability.

Question

Which jet aircraft fully took over the strike mission from piston aircraft?

Short answer

The Sea Hawk was a good early fighter-attack aircraft, but the Buccaneer was where the Fleet Air Arm's jet strike capability became especially effective.

Notes

The Sea Hawk was an effective early fighter-attack aircraft, while the Sea Venom became an important fighter successor. The Blackburn Buccaneer stands out in the strike mission. The move from piston aircraft did not produce one instant, universal replacement. Different jet types assumed separate parts of the carrier air group's work as aircraft and deck systems matured.