World War 2 In Review: Fairey Fulmar: British Carrier-borne Reconnaissance Aircraft/Fighter

Fleet Air Arm Fairey Fulmar aircraft patrolling over a convoy. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3793)

The Fairey Fulmar is a British carrier-borne reconnaissance aircraft/fighter aircraft which was developed and manufactured by aircraft company Fairey Aviation. It was named after the northern fulmar, a seabird native to the British Isles. The Fulmar served with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA) during the Second World War.

The design of the Fulmar was based on that of the earlier Fairey P.4/34, a land-based light bomber developed during 1936 as a replacement for the Fairey Battle light bomber. Fairey had redesigned the aircraft as a navalized observation/fighter aircraft to satisfy the requirements of Specification O.8/38, for which it was selected. Although its performance (like that of its Battle antecedent) was unspectacular, the Fulmar was a reliable, sturdy aircraft with long range and an effective armament of eight machine guns; the type could also be put into production relatively quickly. On 4 January 1940, the first production aircraft made its first flight and delivery commenced shortly thereafter, while production of an improved model, the Fulmar Mk II, started during January 1941. Fairey produced a total of 600 Fulmars at its Stockport factory between January 1940 and December 1942.

During July 1940, No. 806 Squadron became the first FAA squadron to receive the Fulmar. It participated in the pursuit of the German battleship Bismarck, having acted as a spotter for the chasing fleet. The Fulmar was heavily used in the North African Campaign, flying convoy protection patrols to and from the island of Malta, and providing air cover for Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers during attacks such as the Battle of Cape Matapan. By autumn 1940, it had been recorded as having shot down ten Italian bombers and six enemy fighters. The Fulmar was also deployed to the Far East, where it proved largely incapable of matching the Japanese-built Mitsubishi A6M Zero. During the later stages of the conflict, it was relegated from the fighter role by single-seat aircraft such as the British-built Supermarine Seafire and the American-built Grumman Martlet fighters. While continuing service as a trainer and reconnaissance aircraft for a time, the Fulmar was withdrawn from front line service in February 1945.

General Information

Type: Carrier-based reconnaissance/fighter aircraft

National origin: United Kingdom

Manufacturer: Fairey Aviation Company

Designer: Marcel Lobelle

Status: Retired

Primary users:

Royal Navy

Royal Air Force

Number built: 600

Manufactured: 1940–1943

Introduction date: 10 May 1940

First flight: 4 January 1940

Retired: 1945

Developed from: Fairey P.4/34

Design and Development

Background

The Fulmar has its origins in the Fairey P.4/34, which had been developed in response to the issuing of Specification P.4/34 by the British Air Ministry. P.4/34 had sought a light bomber that would be capable of being used as a dive bomber; in addition to Fairey's entry, competing submissions came in the form of the Hawker Henley and an unbuilt Gloster design. Despite the P.4/34's relatively high maximum speed of 284 mph, the rival Henley, which was capable of attaining 300 mph, was selected and eventually ordered; in service, the Henley was largely used as a target tug.

The Fulmar was basically a version of the P.4/34 which had been adapted for naval use. Fairey submitted their modified design as a response to Specification O.8/38, which called for a two-crew fighter capable of observation and fleet defense operations. As the prospective aircraft was not expected to encounter any major fighter opposition, as Nazi Germany, Britain's only foreseen enemy during this era, possessed no aircraft carriers of its own, factors such as long range and heavy armament were considered to be more important than a high level of either maneuverability or speed. As the type was intended to routinely perform lengthy flights over the ocean, the presence of a navigator / wireless operator was considered to be an essential element, especially when flying at nighttime or during poor weather conditions.

Possessing a substantial resemblance to the earlier Fairey Battle, the Fulmar prototype was an aerodynamically cleaner aircraft and featured a folding wing that was 16 in (41 cm) shorter. On 13 January 1937, the prototype P.4/34 serial number K5099 conducted its maiden flight at Fairey Aviation's Great West Aerodrome (this site has since been occupied by London Heathrow Airport), the Fairey test pilot Chris Staniland was at the controls. Shortly after the initial flight tests, the tail was elevated by 8 in (20 cm). During 1938, the name Fulmar was picked for the type, although this was not announced until deliveries of the type commenced during 1940.

Production and Further Development

The first prototype Fulmar, which acted as a "flying mock-up", was powered by a single Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine, which was capable of generating up to 1,030hp (810 kW). Flight testing revealed the prototype's performance to be relatively poor, the highest speed it could attain being 230 mph (370 km/h). Following the adoption of the more powerful Merlin VIII engine – a variant unique to the Fulmar and with supercharging optimized for low-level flight, as well as various aerodynamic improvements made to the airframe, the prototype's speed was increased to 265 mph (426 km/h) when flown at an altitude of 7500 ft (2286m). Due to the desperate requirement for more modern fighters to equip Britain's carrier fleet, the Fulmar's performance was considered adequate.

As a relatively straightforward derivative of an existing prototype, the Fulmar promised to be available in quantity quickly; during mid-1938, an initial order for 127 production aircraft was placed by the Royal Navy. Beyond Britain's own plans for the type, the Danish Navy also took a keen interest in the Fulmar; at one point, plans were in motion to produce the aircraft under license in Denmark; however, such ambitions were terminated by the outbreak of the Second World War. Furthermore, while a float plane model of the aircraft was designed and promoted, no such aircraft would ever be constructed. On 4 January 1940, the first production aircraft flew from Fairey's facility at RAF Ringway near Manchester; the final of 600 Fulmars was delivered from Ringway on 11 December 1942.

During January 1941, production of the improved Fulmar Mk II commenced; the first Mk II aircraft was delivered to an operational squadron in March 1941. This model of the aircraft was furnished with the more powerful Merlin XXX engine; this engine and 350lb of airframe weight savings allowed the aircraft to achieve 272mph at rated altitude, whilst also allowing sea level rate of climb to increase to 1250 feet per minute (15,000ft being obtainable in 12 minutes against 15 minutes in the Mk1) the airframe had provision for a 60-gallon (273 liter) center-line drop tank and provision to carry a 250 lb (114 kg) or 500 lb (227 kg) bomb in lieu of the drop tank. During October 1941, tests performed at RAF Boscombe Down revealed that the 60-gallon drop tank extended the aircraft's range to 1,100 mi (1,800 km). During June 1942, flight testing of the Fulmar II was conducted at Boscombe Down; these tests found that the Fulmar could safely drop a 500 lb bomb during 60-degree dives at up to 310 knots. Fulmars were launched from catapults on merchant ships, a convoy defensive plan that was being evaluated at the time.

N1854, the first production Fulmar, was later modified to Mk II standard and re-designated G-AIBE, after which it was used as Fairey's hack for some time. During June 1959, it reverted to service markings and was seen at Farnborough at the SBAC show on 8 September 1962; G-AIBE's last flight was conducted three months later on 18 December 1962. During 1972, the aircraft was presented to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, where it has been preserved and is on static display.

Specifications (Fulmar Mk II)

Crew: 2

Length: 40 ft 2 in (12.24 m)

Wingspan: 46 ft 4.25 in (14.1288 m)

Height: 14 ft 0 in (4.27 m)

Wing area: 342 sq ft (31.8 m2)

Airfoil: root: NACA 2418; tip: NACA 2409

Empty weight: 7,015 lb (3,182 kg)

Gross weight: 9,672 lb (4,387 kg)

Maximum takeoff weight: 10,200 lb (4,627 kg)

Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin 30 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,300 hp (970 kW)

Propellers: 3-bladed Rotol constant-speed propeller

Maximum speed: 272 mph (438 km/h, 236 kn) at 7,250 ft (2,210 m)

Cruise speed: 235 mph (378 km/h, 204 kn)

Range: 780 mi (1,260 km, 680 nmi)

Service ceiling: 27,200 ft (8,300 m)

Rate of climb: 1,200 ft/min (6.1 m/s)

Wing loading: 28 lb/sq ft (140 kg/m2)

Armament:

8 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) or 4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) Browning machine guns wing-mounted, and occasionally 1 × .303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers K machine gun in rear cabin

2 × 100 lb (45 kg) or 250 lb (110 kg) bombs

Operational History

During July 1940, the first squadron of the Fleet Air Arm to be equipped with the Fulmar was No. 806 Squadron, this squadron commenced operations from the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious shortly afterwards. The Navy had specified a two-seat machine so that the pilot would have the assistance of another crew member in reporting back to the fleet the observations made, which were done using wireless telegraphy (W/T) and to navigate over the ocean. The Fulmar was too large and lacked maneuverability against single-seat, land-based opposition, as it did in the Mediterranean Theatre; its performance was clearly inferior to typical land-based fighters. The long range of the Fulmar was often useful at times. During the 1941 chase of German battleship Bismarck, Germany's newest capital ship, six Fulmars from the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious were used as carrier-borne spotters, playing a marginal role in tracking the movements of the battleship.

The Fulmar was one of several British aircraft to participate in the North African Campaign. During September 1940, the Fulmar first saw action while flying convoy protection patrols to and from the island of Malta. When reinforcements were being dispatched to Malta, Fulmars guided flights of carrier-launched Hurricane and Spitfire fighters. The relatively sturdy Fulmar was able to achieve dozens of victories against its Italian and German adversaries. The first recorded kill by a Fulmar was scored on 2 September 1940. By October of that year, Fulmar pilots had claimed the shooting down of ten Italian bombers. The type proved particularly effective against Italian reconnaissance aircraft. Later on, thirteen Fulmars onboard the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable also participated in the Battle of Cape Matapan, strafing the battleship Vittorio Veneto whilst trying to draw fire away from the attacking Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Albacore torpedo bombers.

The Fulmar was also deployed in other theatres, including the Eastern Front. The type was a common constituent of the numerous Arctic convoys of World War II. Fulmars also played a prominent role in Operation EF, the ill-fated air raid on Axis-held facilities Kirkenes and Petsamo conducted during July 1941. During early 1942, multiple Fulmar-equipped squadrons were deployed to the Pacific Theatre against the Japanese Empire, while two squadrons were dispatched to defend Ceylon. On engaging with the nimble and lightly armored Mitsubishi A6M fighter, the Fulmar quickly proved to have been outclassed against the Zero and six Fulmars were lost in exchange for four Aichi D3A "Vals" and one Nakajima B5N "Kate". Despite this, more Fulmars were dispatched to the Far East.

Throughout 1942, the Fulmar was being gradually replaced as a naval fighter by single-seat aircraft that had been adapted from land fighters, such as the British Hawker Sea Hurricane and Supermarine Seafire, or the American Grumman Martlet, which was designed as a carrier aircraft from the start. The Fulmar was to figure prominently in the Mediterranean during 1941 and 1942 as the primary fighter of the Fleet Air Arm for most of the Malta convoys during those years. Sixteen Fulmars were present on Victorious during the penultimate Operation Pedestal which was to be their last major carrier borne operation. The type continued to be operated, providing useful service as a night convoy escort and intruder, it was also used to train crews for the newer and more advanced Fairey Barracuda. Following their withdrawal from the fighter role, Fulmars were used for long-range reconnaissance missions. Unarmed Fulmars would also see service in Africa as communications and dispatch aircraft.

At its peak, twenty squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm were equipped with the Fulmar. It flew from eight fleet aircraft carriers and five escort carriers. No. 273 Squadron RAF operated them for some months in 1942 from China Bay, Ceylon, seeing action against Japanese forces during the Indian Ocean raid on 9 April 1942, though about half the squadron personnel were Navy. Fulmars are recorded as having destroyed 112 enemy aircraft against the loss of 40 Fulmars, which made the type the leading fighter type in terms of aircraft shot down to be operated by the Fleet Air Arm during the war. In February 1945, the Fulmar was withdrawn from front line service; the last operational aircraft, a Fulmar MK II night-fighter from No. 813 Squadron, was severely damaged in a landing accident at the safety barrier on HMS Campania and was written off.

Approximately 100 Fulmars were converted to a night fighter variant but the type achieved only limited success in this role. Some of the early marks of the aircraft were also operated from CAM ships. Vichy French forces reportedly captured a Fulmar Mk I, which had been forced to land while flying a reconnaissance mission over Senegal during March 1941. This Fulmar was repaired and operated for some time by the Group de Chasse I/4.

According to pilots, its flight characteristics were considered to be pleasant, while its widely spaced undercarriage provided good deck handling and it had excellent fuel capacity and range. Most Fleet Air Arm fighter aces scored at least some of their victories while flying Fulmars; the first pilot to score five kills while flying the type was Sub-Lieutenant Jackie Sewell. Sub-Lieutenant Stanley Orr finished the war with twelve confirmed air victories, the third-highest scoring pilot in the FAA.

Variants

Mk.I: First production variant powered by a 1,035 hp (772 kW) (1,275 hp at take off) Rolls-Royce Merlin VIII; 8 × .303 Browning Mk.II (750 rounds per gun), 250 built.

Mk.II: Updated variant powered by a 1,300 hp (970 kW) Merlin XXX with a new propeller and the addition of tropical equipment; 8 × .303 Browning Mk.II (1,000 rounds per gun) or 4 × 0.5 in (13 mm) Browning AN/M2 – part of the last batch (170 rounds per gun, in other sources specified 370 rounds per gun), some finished as night fighters, one prototype converted from a Mk.I and 350 built.

NF Mk.II: Mk.II night fighter with an Air Interception AI Mk. IV radar (1 aircraft) or AI Mk.X radar (other); 4 × 0.50 Browning AN/M2 – about 50 aircraft (other 8 × .303 Browning Mk.II), total were converted from the Mk.II nearly 100 aircraft.

Operators

United Kingdom

Royal Air Force

No. 273 Squadron RAF

Fleet Air Arm

731 Naval Air Squadron (Deck Landing Control Officer training)

740 Naval Air Squadron (Observer Training Squadron)

746 Naval Air Squadron (Night Fighter Interception Unit)

748 Naval Air Squadron (Naval Fighter Pool)

759 Naval Air Squadron (RNAS Fighter School)

760 Naval Air Squadron

761 Naval Air Squadron (RNAS Fighter School)

762 Naval Air Squadron (RNAS Fighter School)

766 Naval Air Squadron

767 Naval Air Squadron

768 Naval Air Squadron

769 Naval Air Squadron

772 Naval Air Squadron (Fleet Requirements Unit)

775 Naval Air Squadron (Fleet Requirements Unit)

777 Naval Air Squadron (Fleet Requirements Unit)

778 Naval Air Squadron

784 Naval Air Squadron (Night Fighter Training Unit)

787 Naval Air Squadron (Fighter Development Unit)

790 Naval Air Squadron

795 Naval Air Squadron (East African Fighter Pool)

800 Naval Air Squadron

803 Naval Air Squadron

804 Naval Air Squadron

805 Naval Air Squadron

806 Naval Air Squadron

807 Naval Air Squadron

808 Naval Air Squadron

809 Naval Air Squadron

813 Naval Air Squadron (Night Sqn.)

879 Naval Air Squadron

884 Naval Air Squadron

886 Naval Air Squadron

887 Naval Air Squadron

889 Naval Air Squadron

893 Naval Air Squadron

Surviving Aircraft

The only known survivor is N1854, the Fulmar prototype (and first production Mk I) at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton. The only known surviving Rolls-Royce Merlin VIII engine is in a private collection in the UK and came from Fulmar Mk I, N1926.

Bibliography

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Fleet Air Arm Fairey Fulmar aircraft patrolling over a convoy. This is the original B&W photo that was used to create the colorized version at the top of this article at Colorize.cc. Note that colors may not be accurate. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3793)

Fairey Fulmar Mk. I. (San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive photo)

A Fairey Fulmar about to land on the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS at Hvalfjord. The American cruiser USS WICHITA is astern. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9482)

The Royal Navy battleship HMS Valiant fires its 38.1 cm guns during exercises as seen from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (87). The planes in the foreground are Fairey Fulmars of B Flight, 806 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, with Grumman Martlets of 881 NAS parked aft. (Imperial War Museum photo A 15152)

A big range of aircraft parked at the forward end of the flight deck of HMS ILLUSTRIOUS after landing on completion of an exercise. In the immediate foreground are Hellcats and Wildcats and further forward are Fairey Fulmars and Fairey Swordfish. (Imperial War Museum photo A 15062)

The bombing of HMS INDOMITABLE: HMS INDOMITABLE maneuvering astern of HMS VICTORIOUS. August 12, 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 11295)

A Fairey Fulmar of 806 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, a long range reconnaissance fighter, taking off from the flight deck of HMS ILLUSTRIOUS. (Imperial War Museum photo A 12877)

A view of the Fairey Fulmar I (N 2005) airplane in which some Wrens were conveyed, on the ground. The Fleet Air Arm work in conjunction with the WRNS by transporting Wren officers to various stations at a moment’s notice in case of emergency. (Imperial War Museum photo A 1976)

A Fairey Fulmar aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm about to take off from HMS SPURWING, a Royal Naval Air Station in Sierra Leone, on a coastal reconnaissance. (Imperial War Museum photo A 22312)

Fairey Swordfish (in foreground), Fairey Fulmars and Blackburn Skuas on the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL whilst she is at sea. Two more warships can be seen sailing in the distance silhouetted by a low sun. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3759)

The forward part of the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS with Fairey Fulmars and Fairey Albacores on board during preparations for Norwegian operations. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5950)

A Fairey Fulmar being flagged off from the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS at Scapa Flow. The carrier's island can be seen in the background. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6123)

A Fairey Fulmar warming up on the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS. Note the Donald Duck painted on the nose of the plane. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6955)

Sub Lieutenant (A) M Bennett, RNVR, in the cockpit of his Fairey Fulmar on board HMS VICTORIOUS. Note the art work on the nose of the aircraft. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7003)

In the hangar deck of HMS VICTORIOUS at Hvalfjord, Iceland a row of Fairey Fulmars is flanked on either side by two rows of Fairey Albacores, all with their wings folded. The photograph was taken around the time of the search for the TIRPITZ. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7279)

The pilot and observer of a Fleet Air Arm Fairey Fulmar fighter aircraft. Lieutenant G J Stavgley, RNVR, observer (left) and Lieutenant M J S Newman, RN, photographed wearing flying kit next to their aircraft on board HMS VICTORIOUS off Hvalfjord, Iceland. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7568)

Pilot and observer of a Fairey Fulmar fighter aircraft. Left, Sub Lieut E M Frazer, RNVR, observer, and Lieut D R Robertson, RNVR, pilot, on board HMS Victorious at sea off Hvalfjord, Iceland, on 11-12 February 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7569)

More torpedoes for the enemy being wheeled to their aircraft on board HMS VICTORIOUS whilst she was in the North Atlantic or off the coast of Norway where she was taking part in an offensive against enemy shipping and helping to cover a Russian convoy. Two Fairey Barracudas can be seen in the background. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7657)

A Fairey Fulmar returns to HMS VICTORIOUS after doing patrol during a Home Fleet convoy to Russia. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7869)

Preparing 18 inch torpedoes to be loaded into Fairey Albacores on the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS. The torpedoes are being moved on dollies from their store to the flight deck. The starboard wing of a Fairey Albacore waiting to receive its payload can be seen to the left of this image. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7888)

With the sun shining down a Fairey Fulmar leaves the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS to carry out flying exercises off Hoy. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7975)

A Fairey Fulmar with its wings folded being silhouetted by the early morning sun on the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS whilst the aircraft is being ranged and warmed up prior to take off for flying exercises out of Scapa Flow. A Fairey Albacore, again with its wings folded can be seen at the far end of the deck. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7977)

A Fairey Fulmar of 803 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm landing on the deck of HMS FORMIDABLE during operations off Madagascar. The force left Colombo on 24 April, and put into the Seychelles on 1 May. The Fleet Air Arm carried out extensive searches and patrols over a wide area during the operation. The covering force then put into Mombasa on 10 May after the operation was concluded. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9066)

A Fairey Fulmar of 803 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm landing on the deck of HMS FORMIDABLE during the operations off Madagascar. The force left Colombo on 24 April, and put into the Seychelles on 1 May. The Fleet Air Arm carried out extensive searches and patrols over a wide area during the operation. The covering force then put into Mombasa on 10 May after the operation was concluded. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9065)

A Fairey Fulmar, with hook down, about to land on the HMS VICTORIOUS during a combined British and American convoy to Russia. The photograph was taken from beneath the end of the flight deck. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9171)

Fairey Fulmar of 807 Squadron from HMS ARK ROYAL, in flight in April 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3839)

Fairey Fulmars of 807 Squadron from HMS ARK ROYAL, in flight in April 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3841)

Fleet Air Arm Fairey Fulmar aircraft patrolling over a convoy in April 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3794)

A Fairey Fulmar from HMS VICTORIOUS flying over the Tribal class destroyer HMS Ashanti during practice anti-aircraft shoot at Hvalfjord, Iceland, in late November 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6614)

A Fairey Fulmar practicing dive bombing on HMS BEDOUIN at sea. Preparations for Norwegian operations, October 1941, on board the destroyer HMS Bedouin. HMS Victorious and HMS King George V along with escorting destroyers during several days of preparation for Norwegian operations. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5985)

Dive bombing practice attacks on the destroyer HMS Eskimo in 1942. The aircraft is a Fairey Fulmar from an aircraft carrier and is using the destroyer for target practice during Home Fleet operations. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7423)

Fairey Fulmar fighters patrolling above HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS RENOWN as seen from the cruiser HMS Sheffield during an attack on a British convoy which was escorted by warships in the Sicilian Channel in April 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 4028)

Warming up the engines of a Fairey Fulmar II of 809 Squadron on the flight deck of VICTORIOUS in November 1942. In the background are the hills that surround Hvalfjord, Iceland. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6396)

Fairey Fulmar Mk 1 on the ground in front of a hangar. (Imperial War Museum photo MH 4673)

A Fairey Fulmar Mark I powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin VIII engine, on the ground. (Imperial War Museum photo MH 5182)

A Fairey Fulmar Mark I powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin VIII engine, on the ground. (Imperial War Museum photo MH 6279)

A Fairey Fulmar Mark I powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin VIII engine, on the ground. (Imperial War Museum photo MH 6280)

Lieut M Newman, RN, in the cockpit of his Fairey Fulmar, on board HMS Victorious, January 7, 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7007)

A Fairey Fulmar, with wings folded being wheeled to the lift on the deck of HMS Formidable, during Madagascar operations, May 1942.

A Fairey Fulmar taking off from the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS at Scapa Flow in late October 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A6121)

A Fairey Fulmar taking off from the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS at Scapa Flow. Two more of the aircraft can be seen at the end of the flight deck. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6120)

Fairey Fulmars of 809 Squadron ranged on the flight deck for a squadron exercise on HMS Victorious in late December 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6968)

A Fairey Fulmar catapulted from the flight deck of the HMS Pretoria Castle while the ship is at anchor during experimental aircraft trials in 1944. (Imperial War Museum photo A 23562)

A Fairey Fulmar warming up on the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS on January 6, 1942. Note the Donald Duck painted on the nose of the plane. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6954)

Fairey Fulmar planes grounded in the snow after a storm at Royal Naval Air Station Donibristle on January 25, 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7251)

Fairey Fulmar planes grounded in the snow after a storm at Royal Naval Air Station Donibristle on January 25, 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7252)

A Fairey Fulmar about to land on the flight deck during flying exercises from HMS Victorious at Scapa Flow and at sea off Hoy, January 14, 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7182)

Fairey Fulmars of 807 Squadron (in foreground) and Blackburn Skuas of 800 Squadron on the deck of the carrier on board the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal at sea in April 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3755)

Fairey Fulmar coming in to land on board HMS Ark Royal in April 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3762)

Fairey Fulmar pilot in his plane on board HMS Ark Royal in 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3765)

A Fairey Fulmar of 807 Squadron approaching from the far end of the deck on board the HMS Ark Royal at sea in April 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3736)

A Fairey Fulmar about to land on the flight deck during flying exercises from HMS Victorious at Scapa Flow and at sea off Hoy on January 14, 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7183)

A Fairey Fulmar about to land on the aircraft carrier HMS ARGUS during Force H operations in the Mediterranean in 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7836)

Fairey Fulmar comes in to land on board HMS Ark Royal in April 1941. Imperial War Museum photo A 3836)

Fairey Fulmar coming in to land on board HMS Ark Royal in 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 3763)

A Fairey Fulmar of 809 Squadron landing on the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS with its hook down, in harbor at Scapa Flow and during flying exercises off Hoy, March 29 to April 9, 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 8351)

A Fairey Fulmar seen from HMS VICTORIOUS while carrying out flying exercises at sea en route from Hvalfjord, Iceland, to Scapa Flow, 25 to 30 November 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6440)

A Fairey Fulmar carrying out a low level attack with smoke bombs during flying exercises from HMS Victorious at sea off Hoy, 13-14 January 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7181)

Fairey Fulmars on the flight deck ready for instant action on board the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious safeguarding the convoy lanes to Russia, 24-27 March 1942. In the background is HMS RENO7WN. (Imperial War Museum photo A 8141)

Striking down an aircraft. The Parking Officer in the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS flagging a Fairey Fulmar to the lift before being struck down. January 7, 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7006)

Fleet Air Arm ratings making quite sure that the machine guns of the Fairey Fulmar will be in working order when required. On board the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious at Scapa Flow on December 20, 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 6744)

"Airborne" from zero to about 63 knots, this Fairey Fulmar is leaving the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS at Hvalfjord, Iceland, on 3-04 February 1942. The booster gear can be seen on the right. Imperial War Museum photo A 7533)

A technical officer of the Fleet Air Arm, Lieut Harper, RNVR, using a gun turret as a signal station to call up another Fairey Fulmar for boosting on board HMS Victorious at Hvalfjord, Iceland on 3-4 February 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7532)

On the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS showing two Fairey Fulmars ready for fighter patrol, with the cruiser HMS NIGERIA in the background, at Hvalfjord, Iceland and at sea during the search for the German battleship Tirpitz, on 17-18 January 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7281)

Testing the guns of a Fairey Fulmar fighter on the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS while a combined British and American fleet cover a Russian convoy, at sea and Hvalfjord, Iceland, May 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9170)

A Fairey Fulmar carrying out a dummy attack on HMS VICTORIOUS while a combined British and American fleet cover a Russian convoy, at sea and Hvalfjord, Iceland, May 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9175)

Setting a Fairey Fulmar on the booster gear prior to being boosted off HMS Victorious at Hvalfjord, Iceland, 3-4 February 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7530)

Two Fairey Fulmars after taking off from HMS VICTORIOUS during several days of preparation for Norwegian operations with HMS King George V, destroyer HMS Bedouin and several other escorting destroyers, in October 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5929)

A Fairey Fulmar making a low level dummy attack on the stern of HMS VICTORIOUS after completing a turn of fighter patrol duty off the crest of Iceland, 3-4 February 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7538)

With the Fleet Air Arm in the tropics, July 1944, Royal Naval Air Station Puttalam and Royal Naval Air Station China Bay. Men of the Fleet Air Arm serving with the Eastern Fleet in the tropics. Fleet Air Arm maintenance ratings removing the engine from a Fairey Fulmar naval aircraft with the aid of a block and tackle against the background of jungle at Puttalam. (Imperial War Museum photo A 25334)

Preparations for Norwegian operations, October 1941, on board the destroyer HMS Bedouin. HMS Victorious and HMS King George V along with escorting destroyers during several days of preparation for Norwegian operations. Three Fairey Fulmars flying over HMS VICTORIOUS. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5966)

Naval co-operation between Britain and America, 25 April to 3 May 1942, on board HMS Victorious at fleet anchorage and at sea. On the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS a Fairey Albacore is ranged for anti-submarine patrol, with two Fairey Fulmars in front. Astern are USS WASHINGTON and USS WICHITA on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9476)

Combined British and American fleet cover Russian convoy, 29 May to 3 June 1942, on board HMS Victorious at sea and at Hvalfjord, Iceland. Harbour routine and flying exercises. Fairey Fulmars flying in formation over HMS VICTORIOUS. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9185)

Fleet Air Arm activity, 11 and 12 February 1942, on board HMS Victorious at sea, off Hvalfjord, Iceland. Fleet Air Arm pilot and his air gunner on the wing of their Fairey Fulmar aircraft. On the engine cowling is the pilot's emblem, a "Maori", with the New Zealand greeting "Kia Ora". Left is the New Zealand pilot Sub Lieut H Morrison, and with him is Leading Airman Ford, DSM. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7570)

The Home Fleet covers convoys to and from Russia, 2 to 9 March 1942, on board HMS Victorious at sea in the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. The pilot and observer of a Fairey Fulmar, Lieut D R Robertson, RNVR (pilot) and Sub Lieut E M Frazer, RNVR, both from Scotland, photographed on the wing of their machine just after they had the Scottish Lion put on the cowling. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7891)

On board the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious safeguarding the convoy lanes to Russia, 24 to 27 March 1942, in wintry seas. A Fairey Albacore (foreground) with folded wings and a Fairey Fulmar, on the flight deck of VICTORIOUS at sea. In the background is the battleship HMS DUKE OF YORK. (Imperial War Museum photo A 8142)

A Fairey Fulmar practicing dive bombing on HMS Bedouin at sea with HMS Victorious and HMS King George V along with escorting destroyers during several days of preparation for Norwegian operations, October 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5987)

A Naval fighter pilot with his air gunner checking the ammunition of his machine guns in a Fairey Fulmar on board HMS Victorious at sea in the North Atlantic and off the Norwegian coast. during on offensive against enemy shipping and while covering a Russian convoy, February 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7649)

A Fairey Fulmar flying overhead during several days of preparations for Norwegian operations with HMS Victorious and HMS King George V along with escorting destroyers, October 1941.. HMS Bedouin's ensign is in lower left corner. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5967)

A Fairey Fulmar watched by sailors of the Bedouin, as the aircraft flew over during several days of preparations for Norwegian operations with HMS Victorious and HMS King George V along with escorting destroyers, October 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5990)

A Fairey Fulmar from HMS Victorious as seen from the destroyer HMS Bedouin during preparations for Norwegian operations, October 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5970)

A Fairey Fulmar practicing dive bombing on HMS Bedouin at sea, together with HMS Victorious and HMS King George V along with escorting destroyers during several days of preparation for Norwegian operations, October 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5986)

A flight deck duty party on HMS Victorious getting Fairey Fulmar aircraft ready for flight on board the aircraft carrier at sea in the North Atlantic and off the Norwegian coast, during an offensive against enemy shipping and while covering a convoy to Russia, February 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7614)

A Fairey Fulmar with its wings folded can be seen in the foreground on board HMS Victorious, at sea in the North Atlantic and off the Norwegian coast. during on offensive against enemy shipping and while covering a Russian convoy. HMS King George V astern seen from the flight deck, February 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7645)

HMS Ark Royal with Fairey Fulmar fighters on the deck as seen from the cruiser HMS Sheffield, May 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 4059)

HMS VICTORIOUS with Fairey Albacores and Fairey Fulmars ranged on the deck during practice in Iceland, together with HMS King George V along with escorting destroyers during several days of preparation for Norwegian operations, October 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo A 5949)

Fairey Fulmar Mark Is of No. 803 Squadron on the flight deck of HMS Formidable, after the Battle of Matapan, March 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo HU 67453)

Whenever circumstances allow, Paymaster Commander W R Tucker, RN, flies to any business related to his rank. He is seen here wearing glasses and flying helmet in the after cockpit of a Fairey Fulmar with Observer Sub Lieut (A) G F Rogers, prior to setting off on a flight to shore. On board HMS Victorious during flying exercises, 19-25 April 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 8400)

Fleet Air Arm Fairey Fulmar fighter being wheeled away in the foreground. In the background is a line of American Grumman F4F Wildcats and Douglas TBD Devastator torpedo bombers (wings folded). HMS Sparrowhawk, Royal Naval Air Station Hatston, April 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9439)

A Fairey Fulmar on the flight deck of HMS Victorious with the cruiser HMS London in the background as British and U.S. planes and warships cover a Russian convoy, May 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9291)

A Fairey Fulmar fighter taking off from HMS Victorious during flying exercises as the ship lay at anchor in Scapa Flow, 14-16 March 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7974)

Two Fairey Fulmar Mark Is of No. 803 Squadron from HMS Formidable, photographed from a third while flying to HMS Eagle during February 1941. This detachment augmented Eagle's Fighter Flight in providing cover for a Malta convoy. (Imperial War Museum photo HU 67441)

A Fairey Fulmar, with wings folded being wheeled to the lift on the deck of HMS Formidable, operating with the naval covering force for the operation at Madagascar, ca. April-May 1942. The force left Colombo on 24 April, put into the Seychelles on 1 May. The Fleet Air Arm carried out extensive searches and patrols over a wide area during the operation. The covering force then put into Mombasa on 10 May after the operation was concluded. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9068)

A Fairey Fulmar of 803 Squadron landing on the deck of HMS Formidable during the operations at Madagascar, ca. April-May 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9064)

A Fairey Fulmar of 803 Squadron landing on the deck of HMS Formidable during the operations at Madagascar, ca. April-May 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9067)

A Fairey Fulmar, with wings folded being wheeled to the lift on the deck of HMS Formidable during the operations at Madagascar, ca. April-May 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9069)

A depiction of two British Fairey Fulmar fighter aircraft flying over a British aircraft carrier at sea. In the background, a German Junkers Ju 88 aircraft nose-dives towards the sea, black smoke coming from its fuselage. HELP BRITAIN FINISH THE JOB! Created by Frank Wootton. Printed for H.M. Stationery Office by Fosh and Cross Ltd., London (51/9020). (Imperial War Museum photo Art.IWM PST 14863)

Full-face portrait of a Fairey Fulmar at Naval Air Station Lee-on Solent in October 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo A 13208)

The cockpit of the Fairey Fulmar, September 1943. (Imperial War Museum photo A 19541)

Cockpit of the Fairey Fulmar, September 1943. (Imperial War Museum photo A 19537)

Fairey Fulmar Mk. I cutaway illustration from aircraft manual.

N1854, the first Fulmar to be flown (on 4 January 1940) was later modified to Mk II standard and then civilianized as Fairey's hack, G-AIBE. In June 1959 it reverted to Service markings and is pictured here at Farnborough at the SBAC show on 8 September 1962. Its last flight was three month later on 18 December 1962. It is now in the FAA museum at Yeovilton and is the only surviving airframe. September 8, 1962.

Fairey Fulmar at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. December 31, 2008.

Fairey Fulmar Mk. II carrier-borne fighter and recce with serial number N4062 in 1941. (Mk I airframe completed as Mk II.)

Fairey Fulmar Mk. I carrier-borne fighter of Royal Navy (early series) in 1940.

Fairey Fulmar Mk. I carrier-borne fighter and recce flying in twin formation over the Mediterranean Sea in 1941.

Fairey Fulmar Mk. I carrier-borne fighter and recce in 1940.

Fairey Fulmar Mk. II carrier-borne fighter and recce around mid-1941.

The British fleet during the Battle of Cape Matapan, 25 March 1941. At left is a Fairey Fulmar Mk.I from 803 Naval Air Squadron, based on the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (67), visible below, right.

Royal Navy Fairey Fulmar Mk.II fighters of 809 Naval Air Squadron on deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (R38) in April 1942. (Australian War Memorial photo 012002)

Illustration of Fairey Fulmar taking off from a Royal Navy aircraft carrier. (The National Archives (United Kingdom) photo catalogued under document record INF3/38)

A Fairey Fulmar of 807 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm returning to HMS ARGUS after a patrol flight over the Mediterranean. HMS ARGUS is part of Force H. (Imperial War Museum photo A 7833)

Fairey Fulmar fighters on the flight deck of HMS FORMIDABLE part of the naval covering force for the Madagascar Operations. The covering force left from Colombo on 24 April 1942, arrived at the Seychelles to refuel on 1 May and after covering the operations at Madagascar returned to Mombasa on 10 May. Note the raised aerial masts on either side of the deck. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9710)

Fairey Fulmar flying over Royal Navy battleship.

Fairey Fulmar. Cadets learning how to fold the wings.

Mechanics working on the engine of a Fairey Fulmar as another flies overhead.

Fairey Fulmars being warmed on the flight deck prior to take off for flying exercises from HMS Victorious at Scapa Flow and at sea off Hoy in mid-March 1942.

HMS INDOMITABLE from the aircraft carrier VICTORIOUS during Malta convoy patrol in August 1942. On the flight deck are two Sea Hurricanes and two Fulmars. (Imperial War Museum photo A 15957)

Air Artificer P Kane instructs a class at work on a Fairey Fulmar. Ceylonese recruits train at Royal Naval Aircraft Establishment, Maharagma, Ceylon in January 1944. (Imperial War Museum photo A 22210)

Fulmar P.4/34 (K5099).

Fulmar P.4/34 (K7555).

Fulmar I.

Fulmar.

Fulmar Mk. II carrier-borne fighter and recce seen from the underside, 1942.

Fulmar I carrier-borne fighter and recce seen from the underside, 1941.

Fulmar I.

Commander (F) H. C. Ranald testing the running up of Fulmars with stop watch in hand on the flight deck of HMS Victorious, January 7, 1942.

Commander (F) H. C. Ranald, OBE, talking to Lt. M. Newman, RN, and other fighter pilots before a flying program, HMS Victorious, January 7, 1942. A Fulmar’s tail is at left.

Lt. (A) H. B. Happer, RNVR, Aircraft Technical Officer, talking to the pilot, Sub Lt. (A) P. R. J. Gilbert, in the cockpit of a Fulmar, before warming up, on board HMS Victorious, January 7, 1942.

A Fairey Fulmar of 807 Squadron approaching from the far end of the deck, April 1941.

Fulmar taking off.

Fairey Fulmar comes in to land on board HMS Ark Royal, April 1941.

Captain T H Troubridge, Capt of HMS Indomitable. Fulmar in the background, June 25, 1942.

Fulmar II (N4065).

Fulmar I.

Fulmar II.

Fulmar NF.II.

Fulmar cockpit.

Fulmars of Ark Royal’s No. 808 Squadron flying in formation in the Mediterranean Theatre. The plane in the foreground is the Fulmar of Lieutenants Rupert Claude Tillard and Mark Somerville which shot down two Italian bombers on 9 January 1942.