The Fairey Firefly is a British, on-board, fighter and reconnaissance aircraft with a full metal structure and retractable undercarriage from the Second World War. Fairey has designed a cantilever low-wing, similar in shape to the Fulmar aircraft, but with slightly smaller dimensions and greater weight. The project was recognized by the admiralty and an order was placed for 200 serial aircraft, without waiting for the construction and flight of the prototype. This significantly accelerated the work, the first drawings were completed in November 1940, and in December 1941, the main test pilot of the plant, Chris Staniland, flew the first plane, still assembled in the experimental workshop. The first serial plane flew in January 1943, and deliveries began in March that year. The planes were assigned to the 1770 squadron operating from the deck of the HMS "Indefatigable" aircraft carrier. They were used for the attacks on the battleship Tirpitz in April 1944. The planes played a greater role in the Pacific, where they were carried out with the Avengers in the action on the Pangkalan Brandan refinery in Sumatra. In total, 459 aircraft in the FMk.I version and 236 in the FRMk.I (Fighter Reconnaissance) version with ASH radar on the boom under the engine were built. In addition, 140 aircraft in the night version of the NFMk.I fighter with the AI Mk.X radar were built. The Fairey Firefly turned out to be a very good and reliable plane. His military successes, however, were only a prelude to a long post-war career that lasted until 1958. Specifications (Mk.I version): Maximum speed: 509 km / h, climb speed: 8.8 m / s, maximum altitude 8530 m, maximum range: 2090 km, armament: fixed - four 20mm Hispano HS.404 cannons Suspended - up to 908 kg of bombs.
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