 |
 |
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 AS-5 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 5 was the first aeroplane type acquired for CWH's collection, which explains why the Firefly is
pictured on the CWH decals and letterhead. The Camden Air Museum (Australia) provided the Museum with the 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.
|
|
 
|
|
|
