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Fairey Firefly .
Aircraft of the Marine Luchtvaartdienst .
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Development

Entwicklung

The Fairey Firefly is a Second World War era carrier-borne fighter aircraft and anti-submarine aircraft that was principally operated by the Fleet Air Arm. It was developed and built by the British aircraft manufacturer Fairey Aviation Company.

Development of the Firefly can be traced back to pair of specifications issued by the British Air Ministry in 1938, calling for new naval fighter designs. Designed to the contemporary FAA concept of a two-seat fleet reconnaissance/fighter, the pilot and observer were positioned at separate stations. In flight, the Firefly was superior in terms of both performance and firepower to its predecessor, the Fairey Fulmar. Due to a protracted development, the type only entered operational service towards the end of the conflict, at which point it was no longer competitive as a fighter. The limitations of a single engine in a relatively heavy airframe reduced its performance, but the Firefly proved to be a fairly sturdy, long-ranged, and docile aircraft during carrier operations.

Die Fairey Firefly ist ein trägergestütztes Kampfflugzeug und U-Boot-Abwehrflugzeug aus der Zeit des Zweiten Weltkriegs, das hauptsächlich von der Fleet Air Arm betrieben wurde. Es wurde vom britischen Flugzeughersteller Fairey Aviation Com-pany entwickelt und gebaut.
Die Entwicklung des Firefly lässt sich auf zwei Spezifikationen zurückführen, die 1938 vom briti-schen Luftfahrtministerium herausgegeben wurden und neue Entwürfe für Marinejäger forderten. Pilot und Beobachter wurden nach dem zeitgenös-sischen FAA-Konzept eines zweisitzigen Flotten-aufklärers / -jägers an separaten Stationen posi-tioniert. Im Flug war der Firefly seinem Vorgänger, dem Fairey Fulmar, sowohl in Bezug auf Leistung als auch Feuerkraft überlegen. Aufgrund einer langwierigen Entwicklung wurde der Typ erst gegen Ende des Konflikts in den Dienst gestellt und war zu diesem Zeitpunkt als Jagdflugzeug nicht mehr konkurrenzfähig. Die Einschränkungen eines einzelnen Triebwerks in einer relativ schweren Flug-zeugzelle reduzierten seine Leistung, aber der Firefly erwies sich während des Trägerbetriebs als ziemlich robustes, weitreichendes und fügsames Flugzeug.

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Variants

Versionen

 

F.I

Fighter Version of the Firefly. 429 build

F.I

Jägerversion der Firefly. 429 Maschinen gebaut
 

T.2

Twin-cockpit armed operational training aircraft. Post-war conversion of the Firefly FR.I.

T.2

Zweisitzige bewaffnete Version für Pilotentraining, Umbau nach dem Krieg aus Firefly FR.I
 

FR.4

Fighter-reconnaissance version based on the Firefly F.IV.

FR.4

Jäger-Aufklärer Version der Firefly F.IV
 

FR.5

Reconnaissance fighter version based on the Firefly FR.4.

FR.5

Jäger-Aufklärer Version basierend auf der Firefly FR.4
 

NF.5

Night fighter version based on the Firefly FR.5.

NF.5

Nachtjägerversion der Firefly FR.5
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Operational history

Einsatzgeschichte

 

30 Mark F.1 fighter aircraft obtained from Royal Navy, delivered 18 January 1946 to 20 June 1946. Serialled 6-1 to 6-30 (some Later with 11 or 16 prefixes). Of these, 15 aircraft to NEI. Used by 860 Sqn in NEI, 861 Sqn in UK and 1 Sqn in Dutch Antilles. Last withdrawn 8 June 1954. 11- serials from 25 Aug 1947 in Netherlands, and 26 Jan 1949 in NEI. 16- serials from 11 Jan 1950.
7 of above converted to T.1 advanced and T.2 weapons trainer versions by Aviolanda 9 February 1948-17 July 1952. Serials 12-11 to 12-14 (T.1) and 12-15 to 12-17 (T.2). Served with 1 and 5 sqns. Last withdrawn 12 March 1960. (Note: 12-11 and 12-12 (12-14?), Later 21-11 and 21-12 (21-14?) delivered from Royal Navy as T.2 versions already).

40 Mark FR.4 delivered new 18 April 1947 to 3 October 1947 to 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 sqns. Last 6 withdrawn 15 December1961, after use as target tugs. Serials 6-31 to 6-70 (Later 11- or 16- ). 16- serials from 1950 and xxx serials in 1959.
Components from 16-39 to 16-87, 16-43 to 16-86, 16-58 to 16-82.

14 Mark NF.V night fighter version delivered new 11 March to 26 April 1949 to 2, 4, 5 and 7 sqns, serials 11-71 to 11-84 (Later 16- ). Last withdrawn 15 December 1961, after use as advanced trainer. 16- serials from 1950, xxx serials from 1959.

4 ex-RCN examples delivered 7 November 1952. 2 FR.Mk.IV and 2 FR.Mk.V. Serials 16-86 to 16-89. Last withdrawn 21 September 1957.

   
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Drawings

Zeichnungen

 

 

 

   
  VSQ-1

VSQ-2 Valkenburg

VSQ-7 Biak

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Specifications FR.4

Wingspan

Spannweite

12.55 m

Length

Länge

11.8 m

Height

Höhe

4.37 m

Wing area

Flügelfläche

30.66 m²

Engine

Motor

1 × Rolls-Royce Griffon 74 liquid-cooled V12 engine, 2,245 hp

Maximum speed

Höchstgeschwindigkeit

618 km/h

Empty weight

Leergewicht

4,472 kg

Loaded weight

Startgewicht

6,000 kg

Climb Rate

Steigrate

9.7 m/s

Service ceiling

Gipfelhöhe

9,723 m

Range

Reichweite

1,722 km

Armament

Bewaffnung

4 × 20 mm cannons
up to 900 Kg of Bombs
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Serial, Fairey Firefly
Typ Buzz s/n Delivered Withdrawn Remarks
T.2 6-1 PP458 18. Jan. 1946 22. Sep. 1959 Later 12-11 and 21-11
F.1 6-2 PP472 18. Jan. 1946 20. Aug. 1946 Crashed in sea
F-1 6-3 PP473 18. Jan. 1946 21. Jun. 1952 Later 11-3, 16-3
F.1 / T.1 6-4 PP489 18. Jan. 1946 17. Jan. 1957 Later 11-4, 12-14 and 21-14
F.1 / T.2 6-5 PP487 18. Jan. 1946 13. Sep. 1957 Later 11-5, 12-15 and 21-15
F.1 6-6 PP484 18. Jan. 1946 14. Oct. 1952 Later 11-6, 16-6
F-1 6-7 PP486 13. Feb. 1946  2. Nov 1954 Later 11-7, 16-7
F.1 / T.1 6-8 PP492 13. Feb. 1946 8. Nov. 1948 Later 12-13, 21-13, Cashed into North Sea
F-1 6-9 PP493 13. Feb. 1946 13. Feb. 1946 Crashed
F.1 6-10 PP474 13. Feb. 1946 15. Apr. 1946 Crashed at Fearn
F-1 6-11 PP527 13. Feb. 1946 21. May 1953 Later 11-11, 16-11
F.1 / T.1 6-12 PP497 13. Feb. 1946 12. Mar. 1960 Later 12-12, 21-12
F-1 6-13 PP528 22. Feb. 1946 12. Oct. 1946 Crashed
F.1 6-14 PP494 22. Feb. 1946 25. Jan. 1950 Later 11-14, Crashed at Valkenburg
F-1 6-15 PP526 22. Feb. 1946 2. Dec. 1946 Crashed at Apeldoorn
F.1 6-16 PP583 17. May 1946 8. Jun. 1954 Later 11-16, 16-16
F-1 6-17 PP590 17. May 1946 28. Apr. 1954 Later 11-17, 16-17
F.1 6-18 PP591 17. May 1946 11. Feb. 1952 Later 11-18, 16-18
F-1 6-19 PP592 17. May 1946 8. Jun. 1954 Later 11-19, 16-19
F.1 6-20 PP593 22. May 1946 8. Jun. 1954 Later 11-20, 16-20
F-1 6-21 PP601 18. Jun. 1946 8. Jun. 1954 Later 11-21, 16-21
F.1 6-22 PP602 18. Jun. 1946 21. Jul. 1947 Crashed
F-1 / T.2 6-23 PP603 18. Jun. 1946 21. Dec. 1956 Later 11-23, 21-16
F.1 6-24 PP606 18. Jun. 1946 14. May 1957 Later 11-24, 16-24
F-1 6-25 PP607 20. Jun. 1946 28. Apr. 1954 Later 11-25, 16-25
F.1 6-26 PP614 20. Jun. 1946 28. Apr. 1954 Later 11-26, 16-26
F-1 6-27 PP615 20. Jun. 1946 4. Aug. 1947 Crashed
F.1 6-28 PP616 20. Jun. 1946 8. Jun. 1954 Later 11-28, 16-28
F.1 / T.2 6-29 PP619 20. Jun. 1946 12. Mar. 1960 Later 11-29, 21-17, 004
F-1 6-30 PP623 20. Jun. 1946 14. Oct. 1952 Later 11-30, 16-30
FR.4 6-31 F.8227 18. Apr. 1947 1. Dec. 1957 Later 11-31, 16-31
FR.4 6-32 F.8228 18. Apr. 1947 5. Sep. 1953 Later 11-32, 16-32
FR.4 6-33 F.8229 18. Apr. 1947 15. Dec. 1961 Later 11-33, 16-33, 005
FR.4 6-34 F.8230 18. Apr. 1947 23. May. 1957 Later 11-32, 16-34
FR.4 6-35 F.8231 23. Apr. 1947 15. Nov. 1949 Later 11-35, Cashed in sea
FR.4 6-36 F.8232 24. Apr. 1947 1. Jul. 1957 Later 11-36, 16-36
FR.4 6-37 F.8233 18. Apr. 1947 1. Mar. 1957 Later 11-37, 16-37
FR.4 6-38 F.8234 18. Apr. 1947 9. Dec. 1956 Later 11-38, 16-38
FR.4 6-39 F.8235 18. Apr. 1947 10. Mar. 1953 Later 11-39, 16-39
FR.4 6-40 F.8236 18. Apr. 1947 1. Mar. 1959 Later 11-40, 16-40
FR.4 6-41 F.8237 24. Apr. 1947 22. Jun. 1954 Later 11-41, 16-41
FR.4 6-42 F.8238 18. Apr. 1947 16. Sep. 1958 Later 11-42, 16-42
FR.4 6-43 F.8239 23. Apr. 1947 8. Apr. 1953 Later 11-43, 16-43
FR.4 6-44 F.8240 24. Apr. 1947 1. Mar. 1959 Later 11-44, 16-44
FR.4 6-45 F.8241 18. Apr. 1947 10. Jul. 1951 Later 11-45, 16-46 Crashed in sea
FR.4 6-46 F.8242 22. Aug. 1947 6. Feb. 1959 Later 11-46, 16-46
FR.4 6-47 F.8243 22. Aug. 1947 6. Dec. 1960 Later 11-47, 16-47, 006
FR.4 6-48 F.8244 22. Aug. 1947 20. Nov. 1961 Later 11-48, 16-48, 007
FR.4 6-49 F.8245 22. Aug. 1947 17. Jul. 1961 Later 11-49, 16-49, 008
FR.4 6-50 F.8246 22. Aug. 1947 9. Feb. 1950 Later 11-50, Cashed in sea
FR.4 6-51 F.8247 22. Aug 1947 10. Nov. 1954 Later 11-51, 16-51
FR.4 6-52 F.8248 22. Aug. 1947 28. Apr. 1958 Later 11-52, 16-52
FR.4 6-53 F.8249 22. Aug. 1947 Mar. 1958 Later 11-53, 16-53
FR.4 6-54 F.8250 22. Aug. 1947 7. Jun. 1955 Later 11-54, 16-54
FR.4 6-55 F.8251 22. Aug. 1947 24. Feb. 1959 Later 11-55, 16-55
FR.4 6-56 F.8252 22. Aug. 1947 24. Aug. 1948 Later 11-56, Crashed near Valkenburg
FR.4 6-57 F.8253 2. Oct. 1947 15. Dec. 1961 Later 11-57, 16-57, 009
FR.4 6-58 F.8254 22. Aug. 1947 14. Jan. 1954 Later 11-58, 16-58, Casched in sea
FR.4 6-59 F.8255 2. Oct. 1947 26. Oct. 1961 Later 11-59, 16-59, 010
FR.4 6-60 F.8256 2. Oct. 1947 25. May 1959 Later 11-60, 16-60
FR.4 6-61 F.8257 26. Aug. 1947 8. Sep. 1953 Later 11-61, 16-61
FR.4 6-62 F.8258 26. Aug. 1947 30. Mar. 1957 Later 11-62, 16-62
FR.4 6-63 F.8259 26. Aug. 1947 9. Jun. 1949 Later 11-63, Crashed at Valkenburg
FR.4 6-64 F.8260 2. Oct. 1947 1. Jun. 1957 Later 11-64, 16-64
FR.4 6-65 F.8261 2. Oct. 1947 1. Jul. 1957 Later 11-65, 16-65
FR.4 6-66 F.8262 2. Oct. 1947 2. Jan. 1959 Later 11-66, 16-66
FR.4 6-67 F.8263 2. Oct. 1947 21. Sep. 1952 Later 11-67, 16-67, Crashed
FR.4 6-68 F.8264 2. Oct. 1947 16. Jan. 1959 Later 11-68, 16-68, Carshed in the sea
FR.4 6-69 F.8265 2. Oct. 1947 5. Jul. 1949 Later 11-69, Crashed
FR.4 6-70 F.8266 2. Oct. 1947 22. Apr. 1953 Later 11-70, 16-70, Carshed in the sea
NF.5 11-71 F.8389 11. Mar. 1949 16. Feb. 1954 Later 16-71
NF.5 11-72 F.8390 26. Apr. 1949 11. May 1961 Later 16-72, 011
NF.5 11-73 F.8391 14. Mar. 1949 11. Sep. 1961 Later 16-73, 012
NF.5 11-74 F.8392 11. Mar. 1949 21. Sep. 1961 Later 16-74, 013
NF.5 11-75 F.8393 11. Mar. 1949 15. Dec. 1961 Later 16-75,  014
NF.5 11-76 F.8394 14. Mar. 1949 30. Aug. 1950 Crashed in the sea near Kijkduin
NF.5 11-77 F.8395 14. Mar. 1949 13. Jan 1954 Later 16-77, Forced landing
NF.5 11-78 F.8396 11. Mar. 1949 26. Sep. 1950 Crashed at Valkenburg
NF.5 11-79 F.8397 14. Mar. 1949 15. Dec. 1961 Later 16-79, 015
NF.5 11-80 F.8398 26. Apr. 1949 1. Jun. 1950 Crashed
NF.5 11-81 F.8399 26. Apr. 1949 12. May 1950 Crashed at Haarlem
NF.5 11-82 F.8400 26. Apr. 1949 26. Oct. 1961 Later 16-82,  016
NF.5 11-83 F.8401 26. Apr. 1949 28. Mar. 1961 Later 16-83,  017
NF.5 11-84 F.8402 26. Apr. 1949 1. Jun. 1950 Crashed
FR.4 16-86 F.8038 7. Nov. 1952 1. Jun. 1957 -
FR.4 16-87 F.8040 7. Nov. 1952 21. Sep. 1957 -
FR.5 16-88 F.8430 7. Nov. 1952 2. Jun. 1956 -
FR.5 16-89 F.8431 7. Nov. 1952 2. Jun. 1956 -

Last update 11. January 2013


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last update 11. January 2013

written 1. November 2010

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