"Stringbag" redirects here. For bags made of string, see string bag.
1934 torpedo bomber aircraft
Swordfish
Swordfish LS 326 in flight in 2013
Role
Torpedo bomber
Type of aircraft
National origin
United Kingdom
Manufacturer
Fairey
Built by
Fairey, Blackburn Aircraft
First flight
17 April 1934
Introduction
1936
Retired
21 May 1945
Primary users
Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy
Royal Air Force
Royal Canadian Air Force
Royal Netherlands Navy
Produced
1936–1944
Number built
2,391 (692 by Fairey and 1,699 by Blackburn)
The Fairey Swordfish is a biplane torpedo bomber, designed by the Fairey Aviation Company. Originating in the early 1930s, the Swordfish, nicknamed "Stringbag", was principally operated by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was also used by the Royal Air Force (RAF), as well as several overseas operators, including the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Netherlands Navy. It was initially operated primarily as a fleet attack aircraft. During its later years, the Swordfish was increasingly used as an anti-submarine and training platform. The type was in frontline service throughout the Second World War.
Despite being representative of early 1930s aircraft design and teetering on the edge of becoming outdated (in comparison to some alternatives), the Swordfish achieved some spectacular successes during the war. Notable events included sinking one battleship and damaging two others of the Regia Marina (the Italian navy) during the Battle of Taranto, and the famous attack on the German battleship Bismarck, which contributed to her eventual demise. Swordfish sank a greater tonnage of Axis shipping than any other Allied aircraft during the war.[1] The Swordfish remained in front-line service until V-E Day, having outlived some of the aircraft intended to replace it.
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