Today remembers the first flight of the Fairey III, a reconnaissance biplane built during WWI to meet a specification for a carrier-based seaplane. This aircraft was an early predecessor to the Fairey Swordfish, which had its first flight on 17 April, 1934. The Fairey III, also known as the F.128, was powered by a series of engines culminating in the Napier Lion 12-cylinder engine and had wings that could fold for carrier storage. Though seeing only limited service in WWI, development of the aircraft continued between the wars and included a version with floats for operation from the surface of the water.

Ultimately a very successful design, a total of 964 were built, and some were still in use in the early years of WWII. We’ll be adding more of the great Fairey Aviation line to our kit inventory. Today we highlight the Fairey Swordfish Mk. II, which was famous for helping to sink the Bismarck. The MK. II included metal lower wings to support the additional payload requirements of rockets. This aircraft was like the A-1 Skyraider; tough, durable, great payload capacity.