Standard single-engined, single-seat fighter for both FAA and RAF

[Admiral Beez]

Inspired by this thread, Standard fighter for both IJN and IJA.

The RNAS/FAA started with the RFC/RAF Sopwith Pup. Let’s keep it going, with a standardized fighter for the FAA and RAF from onset to postwar. So, no Gloster Nightjar, Fairey Flycatcher, Fulmar, Firefly or Firebrand. Clearly any ideas about two seater fighters goes away, unless the aircraft also joins the RAF.

The Nightjar and Flycatcher need a sub, whilst the Nimrod and Gladiator can remain unchanged. How does the need to serve both the FAA and RAF impact the development of the Hurricane, Spitfire and Typhoon? My thinking is the first two programs get complicated by the need for more engine power to get off the carrier decks.

 

[tomo pauk]

Navalized Hurricane and Spitfire are way to go, even with Merlin III in the nose and on 87 oct fuel. Even better if the Sea Hurricane gets the folding wings, and possibly a 'smarter' radiator.
Typhoon - perhaps, once the tail is secured and engines are reliable.

 

[Shortround6]

My thinking is the first two programs get complicated by the need for more engine power to get off the carrier decks.

It would have been a lot simpler to put a constant speed prop on the planes so they could actually use the power they did have. If you need more power change the supercharger gear like they did on Fulmar, just perhaps not quite so much.

 

[Admiral Beez]

Even better if the Sea Hurricane gets the folding wings.

Either the ships or the aircraft must adapt. Ark Royal’s lifts are 22 and 25 ft wide, and Illustrious‘ lifts are both 22 ft. Hurricane is easy for folding. As for the Spitfire, in addition to designing-in folding from the onset, Mitchell might have skipped the narrow undercarriage for something wider. Perhaps we see wider lifts and folding being limited to just wing tips, like the Seafang or A6M.

Postwar, we see the Vampire in both services, but not the FAA-only Attacker, Sea Hawk, Vixen and Scimitar. Nor the RAF only Swift, Hunter, Javelin, etc. The EE Lightning‘s role is specialized enough to serve just the RAF. Perhaps the joint service fighters postwar are Fury/Tempest, Meteor, Vampire, Hunter, etc...