The typically boxy lines of the earlier variants of the “III” series are well portrayed in this view of IIIC N2255, probably the second to be built on the IIIB production lines.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey III - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1917

The original ancestor of Fairey’s long-serving “III” series was this unassuming seaplane of 1917, N10/F.128, designed to Admiralty Specification N.2(a).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey III - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1917

Identified by its fuselage stencilling as a “IIIF Mk V”, K1731 was an early Gordon I used for the A&AEE type trials. The “5” on its nose was its identifying number at a Hendon RAF Display.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Gordon / Seal - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1931

Fairey Gordon I K2686 of 35 Sqn, photographed while flying past ground targets at North Coates Fitties in June 1933. The rear gunner is firing at target No 4.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Gordon / Seal - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1931

Representing an assortment of IIIFs used as engine testbeds is K1726, fitted with Napier’s Culverin two-stroke diesel, a licence-built Junkers Jumo V205C, driving a ground-adjustable, variable-pitch three-bladed metal propeller. It underwent tests at the RAE.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

Seen at the MAEE, Felixstowe, IIIF S1532 has an experimental float undercarriage reverting to the ungainly tail float and auxiliary wingtip floats of the earlier “IIIs”, possibly in connection with development of the radio-controlled Fairey Queen variant of the IIIF.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

An impressive study of an S-serialled Fairey IIIF Mk IIIB at the moment of launch from its shipboard catapult, with the leading-edge slats and trailing-edge camber flaps and ailerons plainly in evidence.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

The first prototype of the IIIF was N198, seen here at the MAEE, Felixstowe, during tests as a seaplane in 1926.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

The first prototype of the IIIF was N198. This aircraft was first flown as a landplane on March 19, 1926. The improvements wrought by careful streamlining are obvious.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

An alternative float undercarriage using a single central main float and wingtip stabilising floats was tested on S1835, which was also fitted with stainless-steel wings.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

IIIF Mk III S1847 is representative of the dual-control trainer (DC) version. Conversion to this form was accomplished by removing the usual observer’s equipment, installing a conversion “kit” and fitting a special cowling.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

The second IIIF prototype, N225, had an all-metal airframe and thus served as the prototype for the Mk IIIM. It is seen at Martlesham Heath with an experimental fin and rudder of interim design.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

N225 was also the prototype for the Fleet Air Arm’s three-seat spotter-reconnaissance variant of the type. It is seen here in floatplane form during company trials at Hamble in late 1927/early 1928.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

The true prototype of the RAF’s general-purpose version was the wooden, Lion XI-powered S1147, which was flown at the A&AEE in March and May 1927 and was later used for spinning tests by the RAE.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

KEITH WOODCOCK’S painting depicts a scene which, although chronologically impossible, provides a comparison between colour schemes at different periods. In the foreground is IIIF J9647 of 207 Sqn in 1931; accompanying it is another 207 Sqn machine, S1202, as it appeared in 1928 - note the earlier fin and the reversed rudder stripes.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairey Fairey IIIF - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1926