Description

FIREFLY – British two-seat naval attack fighter that saw active service in World War II and the Korean War. Designed and built by Fairey Aviation Company Ltd, the prototype first flew on 22nd December 1941. Firefly Mark I deliveries commenced in March 1943. Aircraft were assigned to 1770 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, embarked in 1944 on the new Fleet Aircraft Carrier HMS Indefatigable. Firefly s first engagement was in July 1944 against German battleship Tirpitz while anchored in a Norwegian fjord.

Engine: Rolls-Royce Griffon V12 IIB (1,730hp) or XII (1,900hp).

Wingspan 44ft 6in (13.56m), Length 37ft 7in (11.46m), Max speed 315mph.

Armament consisted of four wing-mounted 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS.404 autocannon, and underwing stores consisted of 16 x 3in 60lb rocket projectiles or 2 x 1,000lb bombs.

Firefly remained in Fleet Air Arm service until 1956 when succeeded by the Fairey Gannet. Various overseas naval forces used Firefly modified as target tugs and target drones until approx 1962.

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