Late in 1944 he left for the United States to join the British Air Commission, where he had the opportunity to test naval fighters.

The Corsair's aerodynamics were an advance over those of contemporary naval fighters.

Later flights were more successful after ballasting the aircraft correctly, proving that the tandem-wing layout could be useful as a naval fighter.

The first was for a 40,000 ton ship equipped with up to forty aircraft, including naval fighters.

This made him the ideal choice to fly this naval fighter.

Before the war, in 1938 the Air Ministry issued two specifications for two naval fighters, a conventional and a "turret fighter".

Without catapults she can launch and recover lightly fueled naval fighters for air defense or anti ship missions but not heavy conventional bombing strikes.

It was evaluated as both a land-based interceptor and as a naval fighter to meet the requirements of Specification N.21/26.

As neither contractor had experience with naval fighters, they sought partners to provide that expertise.

Initial prototype of this naval fighter powered by a Wright Whirlwind radial.