Workers carrying out salvage and repair work on a wing of a Swordfish I was in parallel to Fairey's activities upon Air Ministry Specification S.9/30, for which the company was at one point developing a separate but broadly similar aircraft, powered by a Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine instead as well as employing a differing fin and rudder configuration. The company chose initially to pursue development of the project as a self-financed private venture while both customers and applicable requirements for the type were sought. I, standing for Torpedo-Spotter-Reconnaissance I, the proposed design adopted a biplane configuration and a single 645 hp Bristol Pegasus IIM radial engine as its powerplant. Receiving the internal designation of T.S.R. In 1933 Fairey, having established a proven track record in the design and construction of naval aircraft, commenced development of an entirely new three-seat naval aircraft, intended for the twin roles of aerial reconnaissance and torpedo bomber. The Swordfish remained in front-line service until V-E Day, having outlived some of the aircraft intended to replace it. Swordfish sank a greater tonnage of Axis shipping than any other Allied aircraft during the war. Notable events included sinking one battleship and damaging two others of the Regia Marina (the Italian navy) during the Battle of Taranto, and the famous attack on the German battleship Bismarck, which contributed to her eventual demise. The type was in frontline service throughout the Second World War.ĭespite being outmoded by 1939, the Swordfish achieved some spectacular successes during the war. During its later years, the Swordfish was increasingly used as an anti-submarine and training platform. It was initially operated primarily as a fleet attack aircraft. It was also used by the Royal Air Force (RAF), as well as several overseas operators, including the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Netherlands Navy. Originating in the early 1930s, the Swordfish, nicknamed "Stringbag", was principally operated by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. The Fairey Swordfish is a biplane torpedo bomber, designed by the Fairey Aviation Company.
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