Cryhavoc101
Donor
Yes, but Ark Royal has already set the RN lift width at 22ft. The FAA has specified for Hercules-powered single-engined fighter and strike aircraft. As none exist, new aircraft will need to be designed, and any Specification will demand compatibility with Ark Royal’s 22ft lift (same as the aircraft that IOTL followed the Swordfish: Albacore, Skua, Fulmar and Barracuda). Thus the Gloster F5/34 will not be chosen, but may serve as the template for what becomes the FAA fighter, much as the Fairey Battle led the way to the Fulmar.
Then the F5/34 is a dead end.
I suggest a Hercules powered Hurricane with a simple fold up wing - this will allow it to benefit from development of its land based 'Crab Air' brethren
With a fighter 'in the wings' the Skua is not needed so can be replaced as soon as the 'Sea Hurricles' reaches service - also as the Swordfish and Albacore are very capable dive bombers you can double down on 2 types of airframe (Hurricles and Swordfish/Albacore) - I would argue that Fulmar is also not needed.
I would not bother with re-engining the swordfish but would certainly bang the Hercules on the 'applecore'