With production of a batch of Havocs under way, the Air Ministry considered and tendered another specification. They deemed the Havoc an intercepter and still held that a zone fighter was called for. The liquid-cooled engine was also considered unfit for service at colonial stations and an air-cooled engine was suggested. It has been said that Air Ministry procurement procedures were established by great minds who had attended a speech given by Boom Trenchard in which he called on the Service to become air-minded. Trenchard wasn't a great public speaker, and he accidentally muttered "air-headed" instead. Some took him for his word. Interesting how small events change the world. Anyway, Dowding suggested a Mercury Havoc, but the response to the request was much more complex than that. The fuselage was again refined, and a slightly longer and completely re-engineered wing was built with possible provision for retractable gear at some future date. Another potential provision was an up-gunning from .303 Vickers machine guns to .50 calibre was made, and a request for an air-cooled barrel was extended to Vickers. If an air-cooled barrel was not in the offing, consideration was given to the possibility of installing a tea maker, but the idea was suppressed because the supply of ammunition was limited, and thermoses were a viable alternative. Further options were a radio, spatted wheels, and the centerline stores station. The Mercury engine was to be fitted with a Fairey-Reed three-bladed variable pitch propeller.
Trials were held at Martlesham Heath, and competition was lackluster, with the Bristol entry being lost after entering a flat spin. The pilot bailed out safely. The Gloster entry handled very well indeed, but lacked the speed and climb. Handley Page continued to dominate the fighter market as it again won the contract. Although provision for a naval Victor had been made ready, no one from the Admiralty witnessed the trials. No one from the Admiralty had attended Trenchard's speech either.
Trials were held at Martlesham Heath, and competition was lackluster, with the Bristol entry being lost after entering a flat spin. The pilot bailed out safely. The Gloster entry handled very well indeed, but lacked the speed and climb. Handley Page continued to dominate the fighter market as it again won the contract. Although provision for a naval Victor had been made ready, no one from the Admiralty witnessed the trials. No one from the Admiralty had attended Trenchard's speech either.