A better FAA twin seat, single engine fighter for 1940?

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Wetted area is far more important than frontal area for subsonic aircraft. That said, a side-by-side aircraft may have significantly more frontal area, and, depending on fineness ratio (roughly, length over square root of cross-sectional area) and avoidance of separation, may have more wetted area.

That said, I think that it's more likely that tactical considerations (including getting out of a damaged aircraft) likely make tandems more attractive for military aircraft, regardless of minor differences in drag. Given the limits on engines available in the Fulmar's time frame, I'm not sure how much better a two-seater that fits all the specifications could be.
 
Given the limits on engines available in the Fulmar's time frame, I'm not sure how much better a two-seater that fits all the specifications could be.
How about something like this?





Let's remember the man in the back is there to observe, radio operate and navigate. He doesn't need a ton of internal space like a Bf 110.
 
Can we "cheat" and offer 2 engines foreign design?
Let's cooperate with Fokker.
Twin boom with large rear canopy for the observer... let him observe with comfort.
Fokker G.1.
Range/speed/climb rate - all is better. Larger wingspan but the wing can be made folded?
 
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Can we "cheat" and offer 2 engines foreign design?
Let's cooperate with Fokker.
I'm game. But my favourite Fokker for the FAA has to be the D.XXIII.


A two seat variant with two Merlins should do the trick. But we must prevent the rear prop striking the deck or eviscerating those tasked with releasing the hook.
 
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How about something like this?


View attachment 618988

Let's remember the man in the back is there to observe, radio operate and navigate. He doesn't need a ton of internal space like a Bf 110.

From Wiki
"The Bf 109 G-12 was a two-seat trainer version of the Bf 109. This was a conversion of "war-weary" or rebuilt G-4 and G-6 airframes;[85][89] the space needed for the second cockpit was gained by reducing the internal fuel capacity to only 240 L (60 US gal) meaning that the 300 L (80 US gal) drop tank was employed as standard equipment. This version was rarely armed with anything more than one or two cowling machine guns.[90] The rear cockpit canopy was bowed out to give the instructor, who sat behind the student pilot in an armoured seat, a clearer view. The rear cockpit was also equipped with a basic instrument panel and all flight controls.[91]

Bolding by me.
Two seat conversion trainers are not two seat fighters and are certainly not reconnaissance aircraft.
 
re the D.XXIII

I think the lines between the main gear wheels and the skids under the aft end of the booms would prevent the prop from striking the deck. Designing a reliable arrestor hook arrangement that would not be struck by the prop might be a problem though.
 

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