Fairey Spearfish
| Fairey Spearfish | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Torpedo bombers |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
July 5, 1945 |
| Number of pieces: |
5 |
The Fairey Spearfish was a British torpedo bomber from the final stages of World War II . It was one of the largest single-engine aircraft on British aircraft carriers of the Fleet Air Arm were used.
history
The Spearfish was designed by Fairey Aviation to UK Air Force Department specification O.5 / 43. The experience with the failure of the predecessor Fairey Barracuda flowed into the new project. The Spearfish received a significantly more powerful, 2585 hp Bristol Centaurus -57 engine and an integrated anti-submarine radar . In the case of the Barracuda, the radar was still attached externally, which resulted in flight stability problems. Problems with the Bristol Centaurus engine delayed the first flight until July 5, 1945.
The end of the Pacific War led to the halt of further production. Only five machines were ultimately built. The planes were used for test purposes, but no squadrons were transferred.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 2 |
| length | 13.7 m |
| span | 18.3 m |
| Wing area | 49.2 m² |
| Wing extension | 6.8 |
| height | 4.9 m |
| Empty mass | k. A. |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 10,000 kg |
| drive | an 18-cylinder radial engine Bristol Centaurus -57 with 1930 kW (2585 hp) |
| Top speed | 480 km / h |
| Service ceiling | 7200 m |
| Range | 1440 km |
| Armament | four 12.7 mm Browning - MG , 907 kg bombs , 16 unguided rockets |
literature
- Taylor, HA (1974) Fairey aircraft since 1915. Putnam. ISBN 0-370-00065-X
