Fairey Firefly

Přehled verzí (1943)
Fairey Firefly - overview of versions

Fairey Firefly F Mk.I
On-board escort fighter and attack aircraft for the FAA, developed as a replacement for Fairey Fulmar at the beginning of the war.

Fairey Firefly NF Mk.I
The night fighter variant produced since 1944 in parallel with the F Mk.Also, differing from day fighter version of the sleeve for radar ASH (AN/APS-4) under the bow, with the main screen in the space of radio operators and auxiliary screen in the cockpit, and covers exhausts. Four of the "black squadron" was later allocated to squadrons equipped with the standard FR Mk.Also.

Fairey Firefly FR Mk.I
Fighter, reconnaissance and battle variant, which gradually replaced the F Mk.Even in production, differing only in the capsule for radar ASH under the bow (as opposed to the NF Mk.I, however, used in the mode for monitoring the surface). From most machines, the previous version is distinguished also higher overlapping of the pilot cabin. Up to the beginning of the Korean war the standard two-seater fighter aircraft of the FAA.

Fairey Firefly F Mk.IA
Then, what the role of the on-board fighters took over Seafiry, Corsairy and Hellcaty was part of the Firefly F Mk.Even subsequently rebuilt to a standard FR. Mk.I and renamed the F Mk.IA.

Fairey Firefly T Mk.1
variant for advanced pilot training, arising out of the came of private initiative of the company Fairey. Space radio operator was replaced by a raised second pilot of the cab and was removed of all weaponry, only a few of the machines had kept the two canons. For the FAA it was after vákce rebuilt 36 machines F Mk.I / FR Mk.Also, another 5 were using the conversion sets were converted for the Dutch naval air force by Aviolanda.

Fairey Firefly TT Mk.1
After the end of the war was Faireyem offered to the remodeling of surplus Mk.Even on the aircraft for towing aerial targets. In 1947 it was rebuilt 19 aircraft for the company Svensk Flygjanst, which operated tow planes for the Swedish air force, the other two machines arose in 1951 for the air force, the Danish, which, through the use of conversion sets rebuilt also two FR Mk.I bought from Canada. Five machines was in 1954 rebuilt for the Indian air force.

Fairey Firefly NF Mk.II
The original fighter variant, whose prototype flew in April 1943. Equipped with was the radar AI Mk.X in a gondola on the wing, and because of posunutému the center of gravity was bow extended about 18 inches (45.7 cm). Production was discontinued in June 1944, after 37 machines because of the very problematic radar and poor handling and replaced by the redevelopment of much simpler NF Mk.Also. All were rebuilt to the standard Mk.Also, only a few of them shortly service flown by the Naval Night Fighter Interception Unit.

Fairey Firefly T Mk.2
F Mk.I / FR Mk.II converted to drones for weapons training. Space radio operators were again replaced by a second cockpit, the machine but retained the two 20mm canons and the opportunity to wear 227kg bombs, flares, etc. the first T Mk.2 took off 12. August 1949, and for the FAA was rebuilt 54 machines.

Fairey Firefly F Mk.III
A prototype one-seater fighter version with the engine Griffon 61, rebuilt from 10. F Mk.Also. First flew in the spring of 1943, because of the unsatisfactory results was but in December 1944, the development ended and the machine was rebuilt on one of the prototypes version of the FR Mk.4.

Fairey Firefly T Mk.3
The third and final trainer variant based on the FR Mk.Also, this time for training observers. The rear cockpit is equipped with an aftermarket of the next device, was removed armament and landing a hook. In the years 1949 and 1951 was for the FAA rebuilt about 50 machines.

Fairey Firefly FR Mk.4
The second main fighter-reconnaissance variant, with a shortened wing, engine Griffon 74 and the radiator moved to the wings. Radar ASV moved to the nacelle on the leading edge of the right wing, the left was in a similar gondola fuel tank. Adjusted was also the shape of the rudder. Serial production was started in September 1946 and at the prvoliniových squadrons flew until 1950.

Fairey Firefly NF Mk.4
a small amount of the FR Mk.4 modified for night fighting, differing only minutely from the basic version.

Fairey Firefly TT Mk.4
Conversion for towing targets for the FAA, was rebuilt 28 machines, the other five were shipped to Australia and using the conversion sets were converted less the amount of FR Mk.4 operated by the Netherlands and Australia.

Fairey Firefly FR Mk.5
Modified fighter-reconnaissance successor of the FR Mk.4, differing mainly by the hydraulic tilting of the wings instead of the current manual and better protection of the radar from vibration. This version was re-equipped with a large part of the naval squadrons at the time of the outbreak of the Korean war.

Fairey Firefly NF Mk.5
The night fighter variant of the Mk.5, differing in the usual bedside equipment, such as covers of the exhausts, but newly also by a radio altimeter ARI 5284 and radar ARI 5664 ("Monica") warning prior to the aircraft approaching from behind.

Fairey Firefly AS Mk.5
Anti-submarine variant of the Mk.5 of 1949, a different radio altimeter ARI 5284 and options carry sonobóje and depth. Many for service in Korea converted to a standard FR.

Fairey Firefly AS Mk.6
Anti-submarine variant of the directly emanating from the Mk.5, with longer podvozkovými legs, the ability to carry both the british and american sonobóje, a total of 16 unguided rockets and lacking kanonovou armament. The first of 133 serial aircraft took off 23. may 1949, the 56 machines was adapted from Mk.5.

Fairey Firefly TT Mk.6
Four australian machines, modified for towing targets in a similar way as the TT Mk.4.

Fairey Firefly AS Mk.7
A makeshift anti-submarine variant, created for bridging the period until the arrival of the Gannetů. In production since 1951, the Mk.7 should a new wing, two-seater, rear cockpit, engine Griffon 59 with the semi-circular radiator under the bow, a new sign and not an offensive armament. Production was terminated after 151 machines, due to poor flight characteristics and unsuitability for landing on the deck of the ship.

Fairey Firefly T Mk.7
Indications for AS Mk.7 after they have been replaced with the much more appropriate Avengers AS Mk.4 and reassigned to the coastal base to the training of the observers and radar operators.

Fairey Firefly U Mk.8
Between the years 1953-1956 was rebuilt 8 T Mk.7 on unmanned flying target practice for their missile tests at the range in Llanbedru, 32 machines were built newly.

Fairey Firefly U Mk.9
From the year 1956 was a similar way to the flying target adapted 40 of the machines Mk.5. Most were flying from the base of Hal Far in Malta.

Source:
Bussy, Geoffrey. Fairey Firefly F.Mk.1 it At.Mk.9, Warpaint Series 28. Hall Park Books, Milton Keynes, 2001. ISBN 0-9999-00284.
Harrison, William And. Fairey Firefly in Action, In Action Well.200. Squadron/Signal Publications, Carrollton, Texas, 2006. ISBN 0-89747-501-1.
Luranc, Zbigniew. Fairey Firefly MK I, Skrzydla w Miniaturze 9. Avia-Press, Gdańsk 1994.
Luranc, Zbigniew. Firefly Mk II - Mk 8, Skrzydła w Miniaturze 10. Avia-Press, Gdańsk 1994.
Thetford, Owen. British Naval Aircraft since 1912 Naval Institute Press, Annapolis 1991. ISBN 1-55750-076-2.
www.historyofwar.org
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URL : https://www.valka.cz/Fairey-Firefly-t43239#395226 Version : 0

Fairey Firefly


The british Admiralty in the first half of the forties of the last century insisted on the requirement that the on-board fighter aircraft was a two-seater, the second member of the crew should take care of the navigation, should maintain a radio connection with the parent aircraft carrier, and to ensure the safe return of the aircraft on board the parent aircraft carriers in all weather conditions. Indeed, he finished the prototype of the on-board tank Fairey Fulmar, which was designed and built according to the same concept. The Royal Navy on-board fighters at the beginning of the war necessarily needed, the Fleet Air Arm in the arsenal had a relatively unsuccessful and inefficient aircraft Blackburn Skua, and also several dozen dvouplošných Sea Gladiatorů, you have been nimble and controllable, but their performances have been already past his prime. The proverbial icing on the cake in service with the FAA then formed the almost useless tower jets Blackburn Roc. It is not so surprising that the Admiralty ordered 250 Fulmarů before zalétáním prototype. It is surprising that even in this for the Royal Navy in unfavorable situation the Admiralty refused to use the american one-man fighter Buffalo, that were available from the cancelled French contracts. The british Admiralty had very different requirements for its fighter aircraft, than what you should for example, the Japanese and the Americans, therefore, still required a fighter aircraft, which should be mostly sufficient range and could perform reconnaissance and battle tasks. The admiralty was aware of the fact that the fighter this required the concept had to be completely logically always larger and more massive, thus less maneuverable and powerful than the fighter single, and what in addition, the calculated performances of the hastily emerging Fulmarů not be particularly brilliant, therefore their consideration successors, should have a performance considerably higher. Its new requirements of the admiralty in 1939, included into the specifications marked with the N.8/39 and N.9/39.

Project and mock-up
One directive required a two-seater carrier-based fighter aircraft, which was to be armed with eight machine guns Browning Mk.II cal .303in (7.7 mm), or four dvacetimilimetrovými cannons Hispano. The latter specifications required again a two-seater aircraft, for which, however, should be all hlavňová armament concentrated in a rotary turret (as you can see the failure of the Blackburn Roc still wasn't enough). The requirements were transferred to the company Fairey Aviation Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Fairey), where in the design offices in the Hayes in Middlesex began work immediately on the studies and later in the projects of these aircraft. Fortunately, the Admiralty early decided to project the tower fighters to postpone and later cancel. Design team chief engineer H. E. Chaplin so he only worked on aircraft with fixed weaponry. In June 1940 it was the representatives of the Admiralty presented a wooden mock-up of a new fighter aircraft, the Admiralty drew up new specifications N.5/40, which define their requirements and subsequently ordered the construction of three prototypes. At the same time it was agreed the order for 200 production aircraft for the Fleet Air Arm, which in this tense time needed to really each combat-ready aircraft.

Prototypes
The first prototype (Sn. Z1826) was completed in December 1941, i.e. eighteen months after the approval of mock-ups, for now, was marked with a number of specifications, on the basis of which it originated, i.e., N.5/40. Just finished the prototype was, as expected, larger than were single-seater planes, but what intrigued on first sight, it was a big radiator under the engine. H. E. Chaplin for the drive of your new aircraft he used the most powerful engine, which was at the time of designing available, this engine was a v engine is a Rolls-Royce Griffon. The engine was still untested and neodladěný, but was the assumption that it will have very decent performance, this engine at the same time, but require a sufficiently effective cooling, therefore, Chaplin used the large heat sink. The propeller was trojlistá with constant speed. Higher performance of the new aircraft should help also aerodynamically fine detail. Compared to Fulmaru was different and the wing, which was poloeliptické and at the same time had a disproportionately lower profile, remained the same large flaps the type of Fairey-Youngman. This flap after the extrusion significantly increased the area of the wings and this will really significantly improve control of the airplane. From the leading edge of the wings stood out mainly four cannons to the British Hispano Mk.II this weaponry was meant to expand the podvěšením of bombs or unguided rockets weighing up to 2,000 pounds (908 kg). The chassis was also well designed with regard to the traffic on the decks of aircraft carriers, he was not tall and had a good breakup, which ensure the good stability of the airplane during operations on the decks of aircraft carriers.

The first take-off performed by factory test pilot Flight Lieutenant Christopher Stainbank Staniland on 22. December 1941, the aircraft will be surprised by their good flight characteristics. In the course of the next year were zalétány other prototypes (Sn. Z1827, Z1828 and Z1829 and also some pre-series aircraft. Unfortunately, in one of the pre-series aircraft 26. June 1942 lost his life, F/L. Staniland, when testing the machine in flight broke the tail section. At the same time with the factory tests carried out intensive tests in the Royal aircraft institute in Farnborough (Royal Aircraft Establishment - RAE), from the course of the tests resulted in demands for a few changes and adjustments - wings already acquired a coated canvas, but she got the cover, metal, directional rudder was equipped with a corner relief and improved was the tipping of the wings with flaps. When in the course of production was introduced by the change of the frontal plate of the cabin and klenutější canopy. 20. June 1942 negotiated the Admiralty the next order, that increased the total order for 600 aircraft, over time, to this order were added to the other.

Fairey Firefly F Mk.I
The first serial machine has been completed 4. march 1943 the factory Fairey in Hayes, part of the order General Aircraft Ltd. in Hanworthu both the county of Middlesex. The aircraft was named Firefly (Firefly). The first production blocks fighter Firefly F Mk.I have been powered by Griffon IIB about the performance of the 1 735 hp (1 275 kW), up to 470. production aircraft from the following aircraft was powered by more powerful engine Griffon XII performance 1 990 hp (1 463 kW). The engines were supplied as an exchange unit, i.e. including the fairings, radiator and accessories, which considerably facilitate their eventual replacement. The aircraft was to the rescue crew equipped with one two-seater inflatable boat, during the production of each aircraft equipped with two jednomístnými boats, one more change was visible above the barrel of the cannons have been covered with elongated bushings. In total, in this version made 429 aircraft, several of them were later converted into a version of the F Mk. IA

Fairey Firefly FR Mk.I
This version was produced from the end of the year 1944 and established on the previous version, from which the different suspension options podlouhého teardrop housing with the first three of these ASH. Sleeve zavěšovalo under the fuselage, radar has served to search for ships and submarines. In this version were produced 376 aircraft and their production ran until the summer of 1946, the last aircraft of this version were out of service, scrapped in 1950.

Firefly F Mk.IA
Aircraft modified from the serial Firefly F Mk.Even on Firefly F Mk. IA. Modification consisted in the possibility of podvěsit under the aircraft search radar ASH. The adjustment went through a few dozen aircraft, which match the version of the Firefly FR Mk.Also.

Firefly NF Mk.I
Night fighter version derived from the F Mk. Also, it was equipped with modern radar AI Mk. 10, a large screen of the radar equipment was in the rear cockpit, the pilot had available to screen a small. This version arises after the failure of the night fighter version of the Firefly NF Mk. II. Above the exhaust pipes have been installed auxiliary surfaces, which odstínily flames from coming out of the exhausts so that neoslňovaly crew.

Firefly T Mk.I
Training version resulting from the conversion of the Firefly Mk.I and FR Mk.Also, the aircraft did not carry weapons. The second cabin after the reconstruction performed over the contour of the hull, to be the instructor allowed to view. For the need for the FAA was after the war rebuilt 36 aircraft, 5 more converted to the Dutch naval air force.

Firefly TT Mk. I
The post-war adjustment, which was offered to the parent plant. Offered the aircraft was designed for towing practice targets (target tug), 19 remanufactured aircraft since 1974 have used the Swedes, the other two from 1951 used the Danes, and from 1954 it was used five aircraft and the air force of India.

Firefly NF Mk.II
In march 1943, flew the prototype on-board night fighter Firefly NF Mk.II, the aircraft was equipped with the first three of these Al Mk.X3, the antennas were placed in two extrudes in the leading edge of the wing between the cannons and the engine and severe gear in the rear cabin, the large weight of the apparatus required lengthening the fuselage before a cabin of 457 mm and their weight has negatively affected the performance of the aeroplane. Engine exhaust was shielded the lands that prevent glare to the pilot and the operator radar-observer. These fighters were produced, only 37 (all were converted to standard Mk.I), because before the development of this version fully completed, he was available a new more modern radar detector, which it can be installed into the housing under the fuselage of the standard Firefly FR Mk.Even and so was the Firefly NF Mk.Also.

Firefly T Mk. II
Training version, which can be identified according to the above outline of the hull protruding out of the second cabin with the pilot equipment, armed was partially reduced cannon armament, the first take-off was carried out 12. August 1949, and in this form was rebuilt 54 "Firefly ones".

Firefly Mk. III
Built only a single prototype, which was experimentally powered by a Rolls-Royce Griffon 61 with the cooler under the bow. The disadvantages of this arrangement have convinced the designers that it is necessary to move the chiller into the roots of the wings, which was a feature of all the later versions. After the reconstruction of it arose the prototype of the FR Mk.IV.

Firefly T Mk. III
Training version intended for training radar operators. This version was created in the years 1947 – 1951 rebuilding older versions of the Firefly F Mk.I and FR Mk.Also, for the needs of the FAA was rebuilt approximately 50 aircraft. With the above-mentioned versions of the Firefly Mk.III didn't have this version of the nothing to do.

Firefly FR Mk. IV
A purely post-war version produced from may 1946. On the aeroplane Firefly were made so extensive modifications that could be considered a completely new type. Powered by was a powerful engine Rolls-Royce Griffon 74 with the combat performance of the 2,245 hp (1 674 kW), this engine spinning a four-blade propeller, another major change went through the cooling system, the radiator has been moved into the roots of the wings, the wingtips were straight "chopped off" at the same time were enlarged tail surfaces. Fighter-reconnaissance version of the FR Mk.IV carried on the outer leading edge of the wings two guttate covers – in one was the radar and the second case was the additional tank. Armament consisted of four Hispano cannons and podvěšené equipment to a weight of 908 kg. Made was 160 aircraft. Few aircraft had passed a small adjustment to the night fighter plane, then these planes were identified as the NF Mk.IV or NF Mk.4.

Firefly TT Mk. 4
Remodeling released "fours" for the towing of aerial targets, 28 of the aircraft used for the FAA, several other aircraft were later converted to help the reconstruction sets for Australia and the Netherlands.

Firefly Mk.5
Version of the produced since 1948, had hydraulic folding wings. The "fives" were operationally deployed in the war in Korea. It was a multipurpose aircraft that could perform various tasks, small adjustments gave rise to these versions:
Firefly AS Mk.5
Aircraft for anti-submarine fight, carrying american equipment and enjoyed the acoustic buoy, the submarine could attack depth charges.
Firefly FR Mk.5
Version for armed reconnaissance, the successor to FR Mk.4.
Firefly F Mk.5
Daily fighter.
Firefly NF Mk.5
Night fighter with the usual equipment for night fighting, the area behind the aircraft helped guard warning radar Monica.
Firefly T Mk.5
The australian training version was created by modifying the anti-submarine version AS Mk.5.
Firefly TT Mk.5
The australian version for the towing of aerial targets was established by adjusting the anti-submarine version AS Mk.5.

Firefly AS Mk.6D
Anti-submarine aircraft was produced from may 1949, was based on the Firefly Mk.5 without these armaments, it was equipped with a search protilodním and protiponorkovým first three of these and podvěšenou armament (up to 16 unguided rockets). The equipment was british. 133 aircraft produced and 56 adapted from the version of the Mk.5.

Firefly TT Mk.6
The australian version for the towing of aerial targets, established by the adjustment of the british anti-submarine version AS Mk. 6, it was about 4 planes.

Firefly AS Mk.7
Anti-submarine aircraft zalétaný in October 1951. Used engine was Griffon 59 with náporovým semi-circular radiator under the bow, the hull was modified for the trojčlennou crew. This Firefly did not carry a gun armaments, it was equipped with was a search radar and podvěšenou weaponry. This version has not been too widespread and had good flight characteristics, produced 151 aircraft.

Firefly T Mk.7
Training version for the operators of the radar, created by the rebuilding of the patrol services released AS Mk.7.

Firefly U Mk. 8
The post-war adjustment of older aircraft Mk.4 unmanned aerial target, the aircraft was remotely controlled from another aircraft, which flew at a safe distance, 32 aircraft were built newly 8 rebuilt.

Firefly U Mk. 9
The post-war adjustment of older aircraft Mk. 5, once again it was a remote-controlled unmanned target, a modified 40 aircraft.

The end of the war produced a total of 658 aircraft Firefly all versions, and formed the armament of eight squadrons.

Operational deployment


Tirpitz
As the first new on-board fighters Firefly were given in October 1943 to the loadout 1770. squadron of the Fleet Air Arm, the trainee was operating from the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Indefatigable. This ship, along with others in 1944 participated in the attacks on the German battleship, Tirpitz, in October of the same year to these events engage Fairey Firefly F Mk.Even from 1771. squadron, you operated from the decks of aircraft carriers, HMS Implacable. Let me remind the fact that just the mere presence of Tirpitze in the area of the Norwegian fjords represented a permanent danger for the allied arctic convoys and the Tirpitz tied down considerable naval forces of the Allies, who tried a dangerous ship, at least temporarily, to defuse. That's why she was on the German battleship taken a whole series of attacks from the sea and from the air. Among the 28. January and the 29. April 1942 sent the RAF five times their aircraft against Tirpitzi, once on the battleship attacked also the bombers of the soviet air force. The british Admiralty also not been idle and at the end of October of the same year went to the Norwegian fjord two controlled torpedoes "Chariot" (of the operation with the name "Tille" was not successful), then he was in September 1943, Tirpitz seriously damaged by bombs from british midget submarines. The preparation of these operations was, inter alia, secured also by the air survey. In march 1944 there were repairs to battle ships before completion. The Royal Navy therefore 3. April has launched a series of nine air attacks (there were three of them in the end for bad weather, cancelled), led by aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm from the decks of aircraft carriers. In these air raids from July 1944 to engage also a large two-seater carrier-based fighter aircraft Fairey Firefly, whose mission in the framework of the operation "Mascot" was an aerial survey, when should get the most information about the attack itself, then fire your cannons effectively attacked the anti-aircraft defense, led from Tirpitze, from others here, anchored vessels and from land-based habitats of flak in the vicinity of the fjord. Tirpitz in these attacks suffered damage to the superstructure, but of its destruction, they took care to hits of heavy bombs "Tallboy", dropped in November 1944 from the bombing of Lancaster on the new moorings lying in the vicinity of Tromsö.

The most important combat areas for aircraft Fairey Firefly happened to the pacific battlefield, Firefly hit in the fighting against the Japanese in southeast Asia and shaped the history of the air war of their combat deployment in the Pacific and in the region of southeast Asia.

the Attack on the refinery on Sumatra
On the basis of a proposal from commander in chief Pacific fleet us admiral Chester W. Nimitz, were planned air strikes on refineries Songei Gerong and Pladjoe near the city of Palembang. It was the largest industrial complex in Indonesia, which was for Japan a great value. The indonesian refineries to cover half of the japanese consumption of diesel fuel and two-thirds of the consumption of aviation fuel. The operation bore the code name "Meridian" and were scheduled a total of three air raids. The british association, which he commanded Until his forehead was built by Admiral Sir Bruce And. Fraser, was identified as Task Force 63. The basis of union were four aircraft carriers (1st Aircraft Carrier Squadron): HMS Victorious, HMS Indomitable, HMS Illustrious and HMS Indefatigable, these ships carried on their decks 238 aircraft. The cover consisted of a battleship HMS King George V. cruisers HMS Argonaut, HMS Black Prince and HMS Euryalus and two fleet destroyers, with nine vessels. Along the way he had for union join even the cruiser HMS Ceylon and one destroyer. 22. January TF 63 to reach the position from which it was supposed to be an attack carried out, this was near the southern coast of Sumatra. Due to inclement weather, however, had to be air raid delayed for the full 48 hours.
The weather started to improve to 23. January. The following morning the rear-admiral Philip Louis Vian issued an order to implement the first attack, this command launched operation "Meridian I". From the decks of aircraft carriers took off 144 on-board the aircraft. It was a mix of fighter Corsairů, Hellcatů and a two-seater machines Firefly itself dive-bombing was performed 48 the Avengers. High-rise cover ensure 16 Corsairů from 1834. and 1836. squadron. Medium coverage consisted of 8 Corsairů from 1830. the squadron, which operated on the HMS Illustrious and 16 Hellcatů from 1839. and 1844. squadron from HMS Indomitable. Direct the escort was in charge of the 8 Corsairů 1833. squadron from HMS Illustrious, and 12 two-seat fighters Firefly from the 1770. squadron from HMS Indefatigable. Fairey Firefly should attack first and attack ground targets with its missiles before the Avengers.
The first aircraft of the assault waves were made at 6:15. TF 63 then floated about seventy miles from the island of Enggano. First shot through Seafiry F.Mk.III and L.Mk.III these machines should ensure the direct protection of the operating of the union. Shortly after started taking off aircraft assault waves
Takeoff us watch the fighter Fairey Firefly is quite late on board HMS Indefatigable began to leave until 7:10. The crew of these two-seat aircraft so expected the prosecution's own attack of the union. The japanese, however, the British surprise failed, the accompanying Corsairy dabbling in the fights with the waiting fighters Ki-44 Tojo and twin Ki-45 Nick. Shortly after eight o'clock began to burn the japanese anti-aircraft guns defending the refinery. The biggest danger now for the attackers accounted for a balloon qualifiers. Located at a height of 600 metres and rising.
The attack launched aircraft Fairey Firefly, which attacked with rockets and gunfire from the cannons on ground targets, a volley of eight missiles be equated volley guns of a light cruiser. After this successful attack boarded the Avengers. Behind the thick anti-aircraft fire, attacked at a quarter to nine, go into a dive. Some of the crew fell in the attack to a level below the balloons and so they were threatened by poutacími ropes. Bombing results were assessed as very good. Subsequent photographic reconnaissance confirmed the hitting power plant, three distillation units of crude oil and refinery units and a series of other goals. British pilots noted a 13 certain kills, four probable and ten damaged. One kill was achieved by a dart Firefly. Recognised achievements will exactly coincide with the actual japanese losses. Operation "Meridian I" can be considered very successful, except serious damage to the refineries at Pladjoe were caused by significant losses to the japanese army air force.

Followed by a second part of the operation, identified as the"Meridian II", here is the command TF 63 may already learn from the previous strike, the Goal of the raid was a refinery Songei Gerong, the British sent their fighters well in advance of an enemy air base, the Japanese is, however, way ahead and above the Sumatrou broke out in a big air battle, which brought the losses on both sides. The first take-offs were made 29. January in 6:40, the departure of the offensive formation to be late for the strong rain showers. Formation of the attack of the union is prolonged, and thus ultimately to his goal set off shortly after half-past seven. 10 fighter aircraft the Firefly to the Avengers joined before overflying the coast. As soon as the space operating union loosened, taken off 24 Corsairů intended to neutralize japanese airfields, on the deck left a pair of aircraft Fairey Firefly, she had the task to explore the airport near the town of Mana, or make a missile attack.
The crew of the Avengers refinery saw in 8:40, the refinery has been protected by our balloon barrage hovering up to a height of 1 220 m and in the vicinity of the refinery was also placed a considerable amount of anti-aircraft sites. To attack first once again embarked on a Fairey Firefly, that their guns shot down several balloons. Then came into the attack on the post of anti-aircraft defense. The avengers subsequently, at 8:45 launch charge a slight go into a dive from a height of 2 300 m. To overcome the intense anti-aircraft fire and our balloon dam, the latter was somewhat less effective, due to the previous attack. But even so, there were two Avangery from HMS Illustrious lost when caught on the ropes of the balloon reservoir. The remaining osádkám Avangerů however, have accomplished excellent interventions, bombing results were better than what was achieved during the operation "Meridian I". When you return has been damaged and lost several other british aircraft, the losses caused to the enemy fighters and aa fire. The japanese army fighter jets unleashed fierce air battle in which both sides suffered significant losses. In the fighting involving aircraft, Fairey Firefly, their pilots have achieved two victories, but suffered also the loss of one aircraft. After the landed aircraft of the attack group from the recon flight returned, even a pair of aircraft Firefly, that in their flight did not record any hostile activity.
If we evaluate the operation of the "Meridian II", so it can be unequivocally assessed as the british great victory, refineries in Songei Gerong was seriously damaged. British on-board fighters have achieved many victories, but also their own losses were considerable, the Fleet Air Arm directly above the goal came on four Avengers, one Corsair and one Firefly. In total, however, lost 25 aircraft, including aircraft destroyed during an emergency landing on the water and collapsed. The british had available a very good rescue system, due to which it was saved a lot of crews.

Operation "Meridian III", the third raid on the oil refineries at Palembang, was eventually executed. The reason for this was the lack of fuel for some vessels of the british union, but even so the operation was a "Meridian" a great success of the british airborne force. The first strike on the refinery at Pladjoe, took out her half of the production capacity for a period of three months and at the same time has destroyed most of the already finished and here is the saved fuel, the Second air strike completely stopped production in Soengi Gerong, but even after the resumption of the operation of this refinery is already far failed to even come close to the former volume of production.

After the termination of these attacks by the british association of aircraft carrier attacks on the island , Truk in the Carolinas, and later against airports on the island of Miyako in the invasion on Okinawa, or against objectives located on the coast of the Japanese islands. Firefly was the first of the british aircraft, which penetrated over the Tokyo. After the japanese surrender dropping these aircraft food and medicines over the japanese zajateckými camps, where they were in the inhuman conditions of the prisoners captured allied soldiers.


sources:
Eric Brown, CBE, DCS, AFC, RN., Green Williams and Gordon Swanborough, the Fairey Firefly, in Wings of the Navy, Flying Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War Two, Londra, Jane's Publishing Company, 1980, ISBN: 0-517-67964-7.
Tony Butler, the Fairey Firefly, in British secret projects - Fighters and bombers, 1935 - 1950, Hinckley, UK, Midland Publishing, 2004, ISBN: 1-85780-179-8.
Owen Thetford, British Naval Aircraft since 1912, Fourth edition, London, Putnam, 1978, ISBN: 0-370-30021-1.
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