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Fairey Firefly

Fairey Firefly

The Fairey Firefly was design as a carrier-based fighter to replace the Fairey Fulmar. Although an improvement on the Fulmar’s performance, protracted development meant that by the time it entered service, the Firefly was not competitive as a fighter. The requirement for a two man crew impacted performance at a time the US and Japanese navies were using single-seat fighters. In the European Theatre, it would face land-based single seat fighters.

The Firefly’s first operational deployment was in July 1944, when they equipped 1770 Naval Air Squadron aboard HMS Indefatigable. Initial operations were armed reconnaissance and anti-shipping strikes along the Norwegian coast. In the Far East and Pacific theatres, Fireflies undertook strike missions against oil refineries, airfields and other targets until the end of the war.

Post-war the Firefly was used as a strike aircraft during the Korean War, operating from Commonwealth aircraft carriers. It’s role later expanded to include anti-submarine patrols, target tug and training duties.

HMS Empress

HMS Glory

HMS Illustrious

HMS Implacable

HMS Indefatigable

HMS Ocean

HMS Patroller

HMS Pretoria Castle

HMS Puncher

HMS Ravager

HMS Ruler

HMS Ruler 21 Jan 1945 with snow covered Fairey Fireflies and Grumman Avengers
HMS Ruler 21 Jan 1945 with snow covered Fairey Fireflies and Grumman Avengers

HMS Smiter

Fairey Firefly is guided onto the deck by the Deck Landing Control Officer during Deck Landing Training
Fairey Firefly is guided onto the deck by the Deck Landing Control Officer during Deck Landing Training

HMS Theseus

HMS Triumph

HMS Unicorn

HMS Venerable

HMS Vengeance

HMS Warrior

Fairey Firefly NF.Mk I

Miscellaneous Fairey Firefly Photos