Fleet Air Arm Swordfish (IWM neg A3532)

The Fairey Swordfish was such a successful design which, despite its antiquated appearance, outclassed the aircraft intended to replace it and served throughout the Second World War.

The 'Stringbag' entered Fleet Air Arm service in 1936 and served principally as a torpedo carrier and spotter-reconnaissance aircraft until 1945. The most successful Swordfish sortie was the attack on the Italian naval base at Taranto on 10 - 11 November 1940 when 21 Swordfish destroyed three battleships, a cruiser, two destroyers and other warships. Total Swordfish production reached 2,391.

*Please note that this aircraft is currently not on public display, having been installed in to the new AirSpace exhibition. It is hoped that there will be some access to the exhibition in early September.