Fairey Swordfish

In 1933 Fairey, who were experienced in the design and construction of naval aircraft, began development of an entirely new three-seat naval aircraft, intended for the twin roles of aerial reconnaissance and torpedo bomber. Receiving the internal designation of T.S.R. I, standing for "Torpedo-Spotter-Reconnaissance I", the proposed design was a biplane powered by a single 645 hp Bristol Pegasus IIM air-cooled radial engine. The company initially chose to pursue the project as a self-financed private venture while both customers and applicable requirements for the type were sought. Significant contributions to the T.S.R.I's development came from Fairey's independent design work on a proposed…

The Fairey Swordfish was a medium-sized biplane torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft with a fabric-covered metal airframe. It had folding wings. In service, it received the nickname Stringbag; this was not due to its profusion of struts, spars, and braces, but a reference to the seemingly endless variety of stores and equipment that the type was cleared to carry. Crews likened the aircraft to a housewife's string shopping bag, common at the time and which could accommodate contents of any shape. The primary weapon of the Swordfish was the aerial torpedo, but the low speed of the aircraft and the need for a long straight approach made it difficult to attack well-defended targets.…