The Westland Wyvern served as an insurance policy during a rapid propulsion transition. Its Armstrong Siddeley Python turboprop offered reliability while reaching a stated 383 miles per hour at sea level and a range of 910 miles. Four 20 mm Hispano cannon and capacity for up to 3,000 pounds of bombs or mines gave it a substantial attack load. Keeping it in service avoided placing every carrier-attack requirement in one technological basket while jet technology was still maturing.
Notable Point · 11:41-13:18
The Wyvern as a turboprop insurance policy
The Royal Navy retained the powerful Wyvern so its strike force did not depend entirely on immature jet technology.