Although it equipped British armoured divisions in the home defence and training roles, poor engine cooling made it unfit for use overseas in hot climates and it never saw combat.

Although the prototype was completed in 1959 problems with engine cooling delayed the first flight to 9 December 1960.

While the long block remained the same as the Type 1, the engine cooling was redesigned reducing the height of the engine profile, allowing greater cargo volume, and earning the nicknames of "Pancake" or "Suitcase" engine.

While the long block remained the same as the Type 1, the engine cooling was redesigned by putting the fan on the end of the crankshaft instead of on the generator.

When the engine was running at low speed, one radiator section provided enough coolant; a thermostatic switch turned off the starboard radiator section until more power was called for and extra engine cooling was required.

The engine cooling is via liquid in a Jacket Water.

The engine cooling was improved by changing the cooling water flow.

Using fuel for engine cooling is nothing new, but the cooling system will also act as a chemical reactor, breaking long-chain hydrocarbons down into short-chain hydrocarbons that burn more rapidly.

A criticism of the Seafox was although the aircraft handled well, it was underpowered, engine cooling was poor, and landing speeds were higher than desired.