Hello
everyone! Here is another unusual one....SMER's Fairey Fulmer. This aircraft
remains one of the unsung heroes of WW2 providing the British Navy with an
important fighter in the crucial early years of the war. Often overlooked
because of its flaws, it still remains an important part of the UK's
rich (and proud) Naval Aviation history, and warrants a mention
on ARC.
The Fairey Fulmar was designed to meet the Admiralty's
urgent need for a modern shipboard fighter/reconnaissance aircraft (a
development of the P.4/34 light bomber 'Battle'). The Fulmar prototype was
first flown on 4 January 1940 at Ringway and served as the first
production aircraft. Fairey's Fulmar was the Fleet Air Arm's first
carrier-based fighter with roughly the same weight and firepower of the
RAF's Hurricane. In fact, the Fulmar was developed for the FAA after being
rejected by the RAF. The Fulmar was inferior to modern single-seat
fighters, but it was a reliable, sturdy aircraft with a long range.
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images below to see larger images
Many hundreds
of Fairey Fulmar fighters fought over the sea in every wartime theatre.
The Fulmar played important roles in the early defence of Malta and the
defence of Ceylon, and went on to account for nearly 1/3 of the aircraft
shot down by the FAA in WW II.
Significant numbers of enemy aircraft were
shot down in the Mediterranean Campaigns especially from HMS Eagle,
Formidable and Illustrious, most notably on Operation Pedestal. Fulmar's
were also used in Operations in the Arctic, most notably against the
German forces at Petsamo and Kirkenes in 1941.
But with its lack of speed and
power and the Admiralty's need
for a truly modern carrier-based fighter, the Fulmar began being replaced
by the Supermarine Seafire by 1943. However, it continued to be useful,
being sent to 768, 767 and other squadrons to assist conversion of pilots
to Barracudas. Over 600 Fulmar airframes were produced during WW2
making them widespread throughout the Fleet Air Arm, now only one remains,
preserved at the FAA Museum (UK). Ironically its N1854, the first
production and prototype aircraft which first flew at Ringway on 4 January
1940!
Phew! Now for the
kit. Smashing little number this from SMER, everything went together with
little fuss and not much filler. Nice bit of detail up front in the pilots chair
and the transfers went on with no probs. Built almost completely out of the box,
apart from scatchbuilt radio wires (fishing line) and antennas (old sprue) which
finished it off nicely. Enjoyed as ever the build, very much hope you have
enjoyed the article.
Regards
Oliver
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images below to see larger images
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