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Fairey Flycatcher

1923 GOLDEN AGE

History of the Fairey Fly Trap

The main fighter of the Royal Navy's Fleet Aviation (FAA) in the 1920s and early 1930s became the Fairey "Flycatcher". A total of 196 prototypes of the biplane were produced and first flew in 1922. It entered service in 1923 and was active until decommissioning in 1934, with significant production from 1923 to 1926.

The Flycatcher is designed to N6/22 specification for carrier-based combat platforms with interchangeable landing gear (from wheels to floats). This aircraft, along with its rival Parnall Plover (13), was used to replace the outgoing fleet of 20 Nieuport "Nightjar" biplanes (based on the Nieuport Nighthawk), which were not introduced until 1922.

When the wooden and metal Flychatcher prototype emerged from development, it was powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar II engine and made its maiden flight on 22 November 1922. Parnall Plover is also considered.

Between the two products, the Flycatcher was selected for mass production because it offers the launcher performance the FAA is looking for in its next-generation fighter jets, while keeping the Plover aircraft built to just 13.

With the Jaguar II radial engine (the Bristol Jupiter IV radial engine is another engine installation), the Flycatcher can handle speeds in excess of 130 mph with a range of up to 310 miles. Specified service is capped at 19,000 feet, with a climb rate of 1,090 feet per minuteit can reach 10,000 feet in less than 10 minutes.

Flycatchers were first deployed in FAA Squadron #402, then transitioned to Stock #403, 406 and 801. In practice, the aircraft was widely praised for its good combination of speed, handling and armament. twins. 303 Vickers are mounted on the nose, and a bomb rack adds 4 x 20 lb drop bombs.

The Flycatchers experienced light combat missions during their flying career, which included trips around China and the East Indies and across the Mediterranean.

The main production model of the Flycatcher is the Flycatcher Mk I. The Flycatcher Mk II is the proposed all-metal construction successor. While flying as a prototype, it was not adopted by the FAA.