Category Fairey Swordfish

Fairey Swordfish – Introduction

I’ve always loved this aircraft, and by now, I think I have the experience to start building one.

The Swordfish was designed by Fairey Aviation in the 1930s and was used a a torpedo bomber throughout the war, despite being completely outdated. The most famous Swordfish attack was at Tarano, where several Italian warships were destroyed.  Approximately 3500 Swordfish were built, and one is flying today.

Specifications:

Crew: Three (pilot, observer, and radio operator/rear gunner)
Length: 35 ft 8 in (10.87 m)
Wingspan: 45 ft 6 in[10] (13.87 m)
Height: 12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
Wing area: 607 ft² (56.4 m²)
Empty weight: 4,195 lb (1,900 kg)
Loaded weight: 7,720 lb (3,500 kg)
Maximum speed: 139 mph (224 km/h, 121 knots) at 4,750 ft (1,450 m)
Range: 546 mi (879 km, 475 nmi) normal fuel carrying torpedo
Endurance: 5.7 hr
Service ceiling: 19,250 ft (5,870 m)
Climb to 5,000 ft (1,520 m): 10 min
Engine: Bristol Pegasus IIIM.3

Armament

The Swordfish was affectionately named the “Stringbag”, since it – like the stingbag shopping bag could carry almost anything. The armament consisted of 1 × fixed, forward-firing .303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun in the engine cowling, 1 × .303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis or Vickers K machine gun in the rear cockpit, 8 × “60 lb” RP-3 rocket projectiles and 1 × 1,670 lb (760 kg) torpedo or 1,500 lb (700 kg) mine under fuselage or 1,500 lb bombs under fuselage and wings.

 

Powerplant: 1 × Bristol Pegasus IIIM.3 radial engine, 690 hp (510 kW)

Fairey Swordfish – 3-View

Coming soon…

Fairey Swordfish – Photos

I have recently visited Duxford in the UK, and seen a real Swordfish close-up. First of all it is big. I suppose it has to be, to be able to carry a heavy bomb load. Secondly, I get the impression that it is very crudely put together.

Here is a small walk-around.

Fairey Swordfish – Related posts

Comments


Leave a reply