Captain R.C. (Resident Contrarian) here.
DH 77
Wingspan 32ft 2 in
wing area 162 sq ft.
empty weight 1665lbs
Loaded weight 2,279 lb
This rather limits the options of modifying the DH 77 at it existed.
The Napier Rapier I weighing about 640lbs dry and no propeller.
The P-26
Wingspan 28ft
Wing area 150 sq ft
empty weight 2197 lbs
Gross weight 2955lbs.
P&W R-1340 engine as used in the P-26A was 715lbs dry and no propeller.
The P-26 had a "landing speed" of 82.5mph before flaps were fitted and 72mph after flaps were fitted. Landing speed may be several MPH above stalling speed?
Yes the DH 77 is lighter, enough lighter?
A Hawker Nimrod had 300sq ft of wing for a plane that weighed 3,110lbs empty and 4050lbs gross.
The Kestrel engine used in the Nimrod was about 900lbs dry (no radiator or water), Trying to stick a Kestrel in the nose of DH 77 is going to be quite a trick.
Can you actually operate the DH 77 (as is or tricked out) off of British carriers without a rather high accident rate, setting the monoplane back years in British service?
Any attempt to use the DH 93 as a fighter should have perpetrator taken out and shot for treason.
It was a large airplane with 304sq ft wing, larger than a Vought F4U, as it needed to be to seat 3 people in the cockpit/s. Two of the crew were side by side in the front. Great for training. Not so good for turning into a single seater. landing gear
was that well beloved (by the British) apron faired, semi retractable (or semi exposed when retracted) arrangement that saves the plane from major damage if the pilot forgot to lower the landing gear when landing. Not so good for getting high performance.
without a major change in drag the cube law says that you are going to need a Peregrine engine just to get about the same speed as a Skua.
Just stick a Pegasus in the Skua. Solves several problems.