How early could a non-naval, non-turbo, R-2800 fighter have been built and deployed?
Who would have built it?
If Wikipedia is correct, the first B-26 combat mission was on 5 April 1942.
B-26's participated in the Battle of Midway.
If Wikipedia is correct, the first P-47 combat mission was on 10 March 1943.
Almost a year after the B-26.
I'm not sure when the 1st F4U combat mission was, but its development was protracted.
Could not a simpler, lighter, non-turbo R-2800 fighter have been fielded much earlier?
At least as early as the B-26, if not a bit earlier?