The Fairey Swordfish was a torpedo bomber built by the Fairey Aviation Company and used by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy during World War II. Affectionately known as the Stringbag by its crews, it was outdated by 1939, but achieved some spectacular successes during the war, such as the destruction of the Regia Marina (the Italian Navy) in Taranto and the famous crippling of the German battleship Bismarck. It was operated primarily as a fleet attack aircraft, however, during its later years it was also used as an anti-submarine and training craft. Designed in the 1930s, Swordfish remained in frontline service through to the end of the war in Europe in 1945.

This particular 1:72 scale replica of a Swordfish served with 815 Naval Air Squadron embarked aboard the HMS Illustrious in November 1940. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: February 2007

Historical Account: "In a Class by Itself" - The Illustrious class was a class of aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy that were some of the most important British warships involved in World War II. They were laid down in the late 1930s as part of the rearmament of British forces in response to the emerging threats of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan.

Each of these ships played a prominent part in the battles of WWII. Victorious took part in the chase of the German battleship Bismarck, Illustrious and Formidable played prominent parts in the battles in the Mediterranean during 1940 and 1941 and all three took part in the large actions of the British Pacific Fleet in 1945.

The Illustrious class comprised four vessels: HM Ships Illustrious, Formidable and Victorious. Indomitable was built to a slightly modified design with a second half-length hangar deck below the main hangar deck. The following two ships of the Implacable class were also built to modified designs in order that they could carry larger air wings. Implacable and Indefatigable, had two hangar levels, albeit with a limiting 14 feet (4 m) head room.