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FAIREY
FIREFLY MK.6
The
Firefly served as a carrier-borne reconnaissance fighter in both
World War II and the Korean War. Fairey Aviation (Britain) Company's
original prototype first flew in 1941 and, two years later, the
aircraft became operational with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.
In total, 1623 Fireflies left the assembly lines. One of the aeroplane's
most interesting features is the housing of the pilot and navigator/weapons
officer in separate compartments. In addition, the innovative
wing flaps, when extended, increased both the wing area and, in
turn, their lift. This last feature made the heavy Firefly docile
during landings on aircraft carrier decks.
The Royal Canadian Navy employed 65 Fireflies of the Mk AS5
variety on board its own aircraft carriers between 1946 and 1954.
The letters 'AS' stand for anti-submarine, which was the intended
primary role of the RCN's Fireflies.
The Museum's Mk 6 was the first aeroplane type acquired for
CWH's collection, which explains why the Firefly is pictured on
the CWH decals and letterhead (although this is not the original
aircraft). The Camden Air Museum (Australia) provided the Museum
with this Firefly, which has been restored in the colours and
markings of 825 (RCN) Squadron, which flew Mk 5's from the aircraft
carrier HMCS 'Magnificent,' circa 1953.
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