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Aviation History
1955
1955 - 1020.PDF
Firefly T.I (prototype). Firefly F.R.4 (Top right). Firefly N.F.2. FAMILY OF FAIREYS ... Firefly N.F.1 Generally similar to the F.R.I, but with night-flying equipment (e.g., flame dampers) and other special installations.Firefly F.1A This designation denoted the F.I converted to F.R.I standard by the fitting of ASH radar.Firefly T.I A conversion of the F.I for operational training duties. The cockpits were so arranged that the rear seat (instructor's)was 12in above the level of the forward (pupil's). Provision was made for two wing-mounted 20 mm guns, though these werefitted in only nine of the thirty-four aircraft built. The T.I was adopted by the Royal Navy as a deck-landing conversion trainer.Firefly T.f.1 A target rug suitable for towing banner or sleeve targets for air-to-air or ground-to-air practice. The target wasstreamed on 7,000ft of cable from a windmill winch. Deliveries were made to Sweden and Denmark.Firefly N.F.2 This was the first of the night fighter Fireflies, chronologically preceding the N.F.I. It had a longer fuselageand an A.I. radome was mounted close inboard on the leading edge of each wing. Provision was made for fighter/reconnaissanceas well as night fighting equipment. Firefly T.I A weapons trainer, generally similar to the T.I, hav-ing a 20 mm gun in each wing and a gyro gun-sight in each cockpit. Under-wing provision was made for bombs, rockets orauxiliary tanks. Supplied to the Royal Navy. Firefly F.3 This designation was to apply to a development of theFirefly F.I having a Rolls-Royce Griffon engine of the 61 series, with revised cowling. A trial installation of such an engine was, infact, made in a Firefly I. Firefly T.3 A development of the F.R.I (but without the raisedrear cockpit) for the training of naval observers. The rear cockpit was equipped with a wide range of radio and radar.Firefly F.k.4 This mark incorporated a number of important new features. Thus, the engine was a Rolls-Royce Griffon 74,cooled by radiators mounted on the inboard sections of the wing, forward of the leading edge, and driving a four-blade Rotol air-screw. The wing-tips were "clipped," the fin area increased, and provision was made for an auxiliary fuel tank beneath the portwing and a radar nacelle under the starboard wing. A built-in air-filtration system was brought into operation by the selectionof "undercarriage down." In addition to the standard armament of four 20 mm guns, the Firefly F.R.4 carried the followingalternative loads under each outer wing: one 45-gal tank, one 90-gal tank, 1,000 lb (or smaller) bomb, or eight 60 1b (or smaller)rocket projectiles. Variations of these loads were possible; thus, in addition to eight 25 lb rocket projectiles, two 500 lb bombscould be handled; alternatively, four 60 lb R.P.s could be carried in addition to two 90-gal tanks. The production version of theMk 4 was 70 m.p.h. faster than the Mk 1 and 40 m.p.h. faster than the Mk 3, having a top speed at 14,000ft of 386 m.p.h. Climbto 10,000ft took 7 min 9 sec, and range, with standard tankage, was 735 miles. Span was 41ft 2in, length 37ft llin, and normal all-up weight 13,450 lb. The prototype had old-type wings and tail. Firefly N.F.4 Under this designation a number of F.R.4s wereconverted for night fighting. . Firefly T.T.4 With the addition of an M.L. winch under thecentre section, the F.R.4 became a glider tug with the foregoing designation.Firefly F.R.5 Externally there is little difference between this mark and the F.R.4, but there are changes in internal equipment.Firefly N.F.5 In this version the basic radar and radio gear of the F.R.5 is retained. Additionally there is a radio altimeter andprovision for a tail-warning device. Firefly A.S.5 This variant has the same radio and radar installa-tions as the F.R.5 but has provision for carrying sonobuoys beneath the wings and fuselage.Firefly T.S Under this designation a number of Firefly F.R.5s supplied to the Royal Australian Navy have been converted fortraining duties by the Fairey Aviation Co. of Australasia Pty., Ltd. Top speed is about 360 m.p.h.Firefly A.S.6 Generally similar to the A.S.5 but without gun armament and equipped specifically for anti-submarineoperations. Today this is the most prolific version. Firefly A.SJ This three-seat unarmed anti-submarine aircrafthas a completely revised installation for the Rolls-Royce Griffon 59 engine. The most notable feature is the deep "beard" radiator.The long-span Mk 1 wings are reinstated and provision is made for three seats (the rear cockpit accommodates two radio operators),and for sonobuoys and other under-wing loads. The tail unit is completely redesigned. The Firefly A.S.7 was intended as aninterim anti-submarine aircraft pending availability of the Gannet. Only a few were built.Firefly T.7 Similar to the A.S.7 but adapted for the training of observers. The deck-landing gear is deleted as the aircraft isintended for operation only from shore bases. Firefly 8 A radio-controlled target drone aircraft, generallysimilar to the Mk 7. Machines of this type are being extensively used in connection with guided-missile tests. A radio-controlledautomatic pilot, in conjunction with electric actuators for the throttle, airscrew, flaps and arrester hook, enable the machine tobe operated without a human pilot. Fairings at the wing-tips house recording cameras. Firefly A.S.6. Firefly T.7. Firefly 8.
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