The Swordfish was a three-man torpedo-bomber and reconnaissance biplane with a basic structure of fabric-covered metal. The wings folded for storage on the crowded deck of an aircraft carrier. Armament included one forward-firing Vickers machine gun and one swiveling Vickers in the rear cockpit. Primary offensive power took the form of depth charges, mines, bombs or, especially, a torpedo. Unfortunately, this outstanding plane was too slow to withstand the punishment of German anti-aircraft fire. Long, accurate approaches to the target made the Swordfish very vulnerable when delivering its torpedo. Thus came re-deployment in an anti-submarine warfare role, using depth charges and, later, rockets.

As with many wartime aircraft, Swordfish were produced by more than one manufacturer. Well over half (almost 1700) were built by the Blackburn company in Sherburn in Elmet, UK.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a Royal Navy Fairey Swordfish Mk. I torpedo plane that was attached to 81 NAS, then embarked upon the HMS Courageous during 1937. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-3/4-inches
Length: 6-inches

Release Date: July 2013

Historical Account: "Versatility" - The Swordfish was equally at home on wheels or floats which were easily interchanged, even on the flight deck of a warship. When operated with floats the aircraft would be recovered after flight by use of a flight deck crane. When operated from capital ships the catapult was used for launching and recovery was again by means of the ship's crane.

'529' was taken on strength by 810 squadron aboard HMS Courageous in December 1937. It was operated in both wheel and float configuration. Later it served with 701 Catapult Flight operating on exercises with capital warships such as HMS Hood, Barham and Valliant. The unit also had a land base at Kalafrana Bay, Malta. During this time FAA aircraft were flown mainly by RAF pilots and serviced by RAF grew crews aboard ship. The Royal Navy provided the Observers and TAGs (Telegraphist Air Gunners). This practice continued into the early years of World War Two.