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Old 2nd Feb 2008, 18:04
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Evalu8ter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Zummerset
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I would hazard to suggest that the Seafire was anything but a world class carrier fighter; definately a case of necessity over suitabilility. Why? Narrow track, weak undercarriage, very poor over the nose visibility and short legs.

Compare and contrast to what IMHO were world class piston carrier fighters: Hellcat, Bearcat & Sea Fury (albeit developed from a land aircraft). All with raised cockpits and sloped cowlings to aid visibility, wide track undercarriage & decent endurance.

Note the exception of the Corsair; a wonderful aircraft but not "world class" as a pure carrier machine.

The USN did try a P51 but considered that it had poor visibility and too high an approach speed for carrier Ops.

The only type I can think of is the FJ Fury, naval version of the Sabre.
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