Fairey Battle
Страна: Великобритания
Год: 1936


Легкий бомбардировщик с экипажем из трех человек
Описание:
Battle
Fairey Battle
Flight, March 1936
POSTERITY ... SHALL HEAR of these BATTLES
Flight, November 1939
Britain's Military Aircraft
Фотографии:

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Battle

Легкий бомбардировщик, одномоторный цельнометаллический моноплан. Шасси убирающееся, с хвостовым колесом. Экипаж 3 человека. Спроектирован в КБ фирмы "Фэйри авиэйшн" под руководством М.Лобеля. Первый полет совершил 10 марта 1936 г. Серийный выпуск начался с апреля 1937 г. на заводах "Фэйри" (Стокпорт) и "Остин моторс" (Бирмингэм). Всего построено 2201 экз. Мотор "Мерлин" I/II/III/V, вооружение 2x7,69 (полевые переделки - 3x7,69), бомбы до 454 кг.
Состоял на вооружении в Великобритании с мая 1937 г., в Бельгии - с марта 1936 г., в Турции - с сентября 1939 г., в Греции - с декабря 1939 г., в ЮАС - с августа 1940 г., а также использовался как учебный с 1940 г. в Австралии, Канаде, Индии и Новой Зеландии.
Выпускались два основных варианта:
   - для английских ВВС;
   - экспортный для Бельгии с удлиненными воздухозаборниками и иной выхлопной системой.
Выпускались также несколько учебных модификаций и вариант буксировщика мишеней-рукавов.
С сентября 1939 г. "бэттлы" британского экспедиционного корпуса во Франции начали вести разведку приграничных районов Германии. В мае - июне 1940 г. эти самолеты широко использовались в боях во Франции и Бельгии, до конца октября они наносили удары из Англии по побережью Франции, Германии и Нидерландов. С ноября почти все "бэттлы" были переданы в учебные части или проданы за границу. Как морские разведчики они продолжали летать с баз в Исландии до июня 1941 г.. Бельгийские самолеты приняли участие в обороне страны в мае 1940 г., греческие с октября 1940 г. действовали против итальянских войск в Албании, в апреле 1941 г. - против немцев. Южноафриканские "бэттлы" с августа 1940 г. воевали с итальянцами в Восточной Африке (до середины августа 1941 г.)
"Бэттл" сняли с производства в ноябре 1940 г. Как учебный самолет он использовался до конца войны в Англии, ЮАС, Канаде. Греческие и бельгийские машины полностью уничтожены в ходе боевых операций.


"Бэттл" I||
Размах:||16,46 м
Длина:||15,4 м
Моторы, количество х мощность:||1x1030 л.с.
Взлетная масса, максимальная:||4900 кг
Максимальная скорость:||386 км/ч
Практический потолок:||7180 м
Дальность:||1680 км

Fairey Battle

Прототип Fairey Day Bomber совершил первый полет 10 марта 1936 года, он создавался компанией в ответ на Спецификацию (TTT) P.27/32 на двухместный однодвигательный бомбардировщик-моноплан. Согласно Спецификации, новый самолет должен был с боевой нагрузкой 454 кг бомб развивать скорость 322 км/ч и обладать дальностью полета 1609 км. Прототип превосходил заданные характеристики и в тендере, в котором также принимали участие проектные предложения компаний "Armstrong Whitworth", "Bristol" и "Hawker", стал убедительным фаворитом. Первый серийный контракт на 155 самолетов - по обновленной спецификации P.23/35 - был заключен в 1935 году, то есть даже до первого полета прототипа. Первый серийный самолет, названный Battle, строился в Хейзе, графство Мидлсекс, но второй и последующие строившиеся компанией "Fairey" самолеты выпускались на территории нового завода в Хитон Чапель (Стокпорт). Для увеличения тяговооруженности самолетов Battle компания "Rolls-Royce" получила первый заказ на свои знаменитые двигатели Merlin I мощностью 1030 л. с. (768 кВт), которыми были оснащены первые 136 самолетов Battle Mk I, построенных "Fairey". С появлением двигателей Merlin модификаций от Mk II до Mk V менялось соответственно и обозначение самолетов: от Battle Mk II до Battle Mk V.
   Самолет Battle - свободнонесущий цельнометаллический моноплан, имевший полотняную обшивку рулевых поверхностей. Машина получила традиционное хвостовое оперение и убирающееся трехопорное шасси с хвостовым колесом, колеса основных стоек которого в убранном положении частично выступали из крыла. В фюзеляже под общим фонарем друг за другом были размещены места для пилота и стрелка. К концу 1937 года компания "Fairey" построила 85 самолетов Battle, первый из них в мае 1937 года поступил в 63-ю эскадрилью в Апвуде. После поступления первых заказов, производственные субподряды были размещены и на фирме "Austin Motors". Тем временем, последние 19 самолетов Battle из первоначального заказа компании "Fairey" на 155 машин были оснащены двигателями Merlin II, которыми также стали оснащать машины, строившиеся "Austin Motors". В июле 1938 года в воздух поднялся первый самолет, построенный на заводе в Лонгбридже, а к концу того же года здесь были собраны уже 29 машин. После того, как "Austin Motors" построила 60 самолетов, на машины стали устанавливать двигатели Merlin III.
   К началу Второй мировой войны было построено более 1000 самолетов - первыми боевое крещение получили самолеты 226-й эскадрильи, направленной во Францию в составе экспедиционных сил. Однако их участие в боевых действиях во Франции наглядно продемонстрировало неспособность самолета противостоять вражеским истребителям. 10 мая 1940 года самолеты Battle без сопровождения истребителей, атакуя с высоты всего 76 м бомбами замедленного действия, попали под сильный огонь зенитных орудий. Из 32 самолетов 13 были сбиты, а остальные получили повреждения. На следующий день были потеряны семь из восьми самолетов, 12 мая были потеряны все пять самолетов из 12-й эскадрильи, которым удалось разрушить один и повредить другой важные в стратегическом плане мосты через Альберт-канал. После 14 мая, когда 35 из 63 самолетов не вернулись из боевого вылета, карьера Battle как дневного бомбардировщика была закончена, и они использовались чаще всего только в качестве учебно-тренировочных самолетов. Были построены 100 учебных самолетов Battle (T) с двойным управлением и раздельными кабинами, а также 266 самолетов-буксировщиков мишеней Battle (TT).
  
   Последняя серийная модель Battle - самолет-буксировщик мишеней Battle TT.Mk I - выпускался на заводе компании "Austin Motors" (построено 266 самолетов, большое количество переоборудовано), последняя такая машина была получена заказчиком 2 сентября 1940 года, после чего суммарный выпуск достиг 2203 самолетов Battle, включая прототип. Канада эксплуатировала 739 самолетов Battle - они использовались в качестве тренировочных и самолетов-буксировщиков мишеней (в рамках программы совместной подготовки летчиков союзной авиации - Commonwealth Air Training Plan; первый самолет канадские ВВС получили в Кэмп-Бордене в августе 1939 года); австралийские ВВС получили четыре построенных британцами самолета Battle и 360 самолетов, собранных в Австралии, включая 30 самолетов-буксировщиков мишеней. Другими получателями самолетов стали: Бельгия (18 самолетов построены по лицензии компанией "Avions Fairey"), Турция (29 машин), Южная Африка (около 190) и Ирландия (приземлившийся в ирландском Вотерфорде в 1941 году один самолет британских ВВС был интернирован, а позднее включен в национальный авиационный корпус). Несколько самолетов Battle использовались в качестве летающих лабораторий для испытаний двигателей Napier Dagger и Sabre, Bristol Hercules и Taurus, Rolls-Royce Exe и Merlin XII, а также Fairey Prince. Другие самолеты использовались для экспериментов с различными типами воздушных винтов.


ТАКТИКО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Fairey Battle Mk I

   Тип: легкий бомбардировщик с экипажем из трех человек
   Силовая установка: один V-образный ПД Rolls-Royce Merlin I мощностью 1030 л. с. (768 кВт)
   Летные характеристики: максимальная скорость на высоте 4570 м - 414 км/ч; крейсерская скорость на оптимальной высоте - 338 км/ч; набор высоты 1525 м - за 4 мин 6 с; практический потолок 7620 м; дальность 1609 км
   Масса: пустого 3015 кг; максимальная взлетная 4895 кг
   Размеры: размах крыла 16,46 м; длина 12,90 м; высота 4,72 м; площадь крыла 39,20 м2
   Вооружение: один фиксированный стреляющий вперед 7,7-мм пулемет Vickers в правом носке крыла и один наводимый 7,7-мм пулемет Vickers "K" для обороны задней полусферы (в задней части кабины), плюс до 680 кг вооружений в двух крыльевых отсеках и на двух подкрыльевых узлах подвески - обычно четыре 113-кг бомбы во внутренних отсеках и две 113-кг бомбы на внешних узлах подвески

Flight, March 1936

POSTERITY ... SHALL HEAR of these BATTLES
The Fairey Battle, First of the New High-Performance Medium Bombers: Stressed-skin Construction: All Armament Stowed Inside

   "NO speed figures can be given for the “Battle,” but the Air Ministry raise no objection to it being disclosed that, slightly over ten minutes after leaving the Fairey aerodrome, the machine could be over the South Coast." If one had any real doubts about the sense - or otherwise - of recent secrecy-mongering by the Air Ministry, they were dispelled by this sentence from the “approved” information handed out to representatives of the Press at the recent demonstration at Fairey's aerodrome at Heath Row, when Flt. Lt. C. S. Staniland gave one of his usual "finished" displays of demonstration flying. Slow rolls very close to the ground, loops, upward rolls and vertically banked circuits of the aerodrome were the outstanding items from the spectacular point of view. To the more seriously minded, these evolutions were impressive because of the evidence which they provided of the ability of a two-seater medium bomber to be manoeuvred almost as rapidly as a single-seater fighter.
   Owing to the fact that the Battle is fitted with a supercharged engine, the Rolls-Royce Merlin, it was not, of course, possible for Flt. Lt. Staniland to fly past at the machine's maximum speed of Harmondsworth-to-the-South-Coast-in-slightly-more-than-ten-minutes, but in the dives he must have approached that speed quite closely, and the spectacle was certainly convincing.
   In its general design the Fairey Battle is a low-wing cantilever monoplane, characterised by wings of fairly high aspect ratio and by a beautifully slim fuselage, which appears as near to streamline perfection as it is practicable to get. The "Perspex" fairing over the cockpits cannot, one would think, reduce the speed by very much, and the only other excrescences of any importance are the tail wheel, faired portions of the main wheels, the wireless mast, and the arm carrying the pitot tube of the airspeed indicator. Such items as navigation lights and landing lights are completely buried inside the wings, and all armament is also carried internally, the Rotax orientable landing lights in the leading edge just beyond the undercarriage, and the red and green navigation lights in covered cut-outs at the wing tips.
   From a structural point of view the Battle is interesting chiefly on account of the use of stressed-skin construction. At present the actual details may not be disclosed, but the workmanship was a joy to behold. It is by no means easy to persuade a thin metal skin to lie absolutely smooth. Usually the appearance is marred by unsightly waves in the panels between the reinforcing internal stringers, no matter how small these panels are made. In the Battle the unsupported areas are quite small, to be sure, but even allowing for this fact, the total absence of waves and wrinkles is remarkable and is a testimony to the skill oа designers and workers alike. This applies to the wings as well.
   It is almost superfluous to say that the Battle is equipped with large fillets at the wing roots, split trailing-edge flaps, retractable undercarriage, and trimming tabs on elevators and rudder. No modern military aircraft could be considered up to date without these. In this connection one might recall a fact sometimes apt to be overlooked: the Fairey Aviation Company was the first to introduce the trailing-edge flap, not only as a means to securing lower landing speed, but for improving the cruising speed by bringing the fuselage to the attitude corresponding to minimum drag. The early Fairey flaps were not of the "split" type, that is a later development, but they did have a very considerable effect on performance. Incidentally, it is interesting to note, and is, perhaps, significant, that the Battle is not fitted with Handley-Page wing-tip slots.

Undercarriage Retraction

   The retractable undercarriage has a somewhat unusual operating gear. The rods of the hydraulic rams project at an angle of approximately 45 deg. behind the telescopic struts. The drag during take-off is probably unimportant, but one would have thought that these rods would be likely to become covered with dust and grit during the takeoff, and that some of this might be likely to be dragged into the cylinders.
   Each Dunlop wheel is carried on a single, semi-cantilever strut, and is provided with a small mudguard. The wheels retract into the wing by being swung back and up, a fairing under the trailing edge of the wing serving to reduce the air drag of the wheel portion which is not quite buried inside the wing. A warning device is fitted which, when the engine is throttled back, shows the word "wheels" in lights on the dashboard, and an electric horn blows. As the undercarriage begins to extend, the word disappears and the horn ceases to blow, while a red light appears instead and remains until the wheels are fully down; a green light then appears. The undercarriage is hydraulically operated by an engine-driven pump, a hand pump being provided for emergencies.
   The power plant used in the Fairey Battle is a Rolls-Royce Merlin. This twelve-cylinder engine is of the vee type, with liquid cooling. Its small frontal area can be gathered from the photograph on p. 320. The engine drives a three-bladed Fairey metal airscrew, and during the demonstrations it was obvious that with the Battle a speed range has been reached at which a V.P. airscrew would materially improve the initial acceleration from standing start to take-off. With flaps down, the approach was steep and the speed at which the Battle hung in the air remarkably low. But the machine does definitely seem to need the V.P. airscrew before it can give the very best of which it is capable. Given that extra refinement, one feels that it could operate from quite small aerodromes.
   Little may be said of the military features of the Battle, but an examination of the illustrations shows that the crew are so placed that they obtain a very excellent view. The pilot is almost over the leading edge, and the gunner is in line with the trailing edge of the wing roots. Single-seater fighters would not find it too easy to attack a formation of these machines, even if the fighters had a considerable reserve of speed.

Flight, November 1939

Britain's Military Aircraft
A Survey of Our Service Machines

FAIREY

   TWO types of Fairey aircraft have already distinguished themselves in the war - the Battle and the Swordfish.
   The Battle is a fairly large single-engined bomber fitted with a Rolls-Royce Merlin. It carries a crew of three and in its present form is armed with one fixed and one free machine gun. The construction is of the stressed-skin type throughout, except for the portion of the fuselage in the region of the pilot’s cockpit, which is a built-up structure of steel tubes.
   The top speed of 257 m.p.h. is attained at 16,000ft. A disposable load of 4,125 lb. can be carried and the range is 1,000 miles.

The Fairey Aviation Co.. Ltd.. Hayes. Middlesex.
A LA MODE: The veil of official secrecy has been partially lifted from the shapely Fairey bomber monoplane, known as the Battle. Its engine is one of the new Rolls-Royce "Merlins"; its covering of metal; its undercarriage semi-retractable; and its performance, if known, a State secret.
APPROACH TO A PROBLEM - 1: This view of the Fairey Battle medium bomber (1,065 h.p. Rolls-Royce Merlin) affords an interesting comparison with the Armstrong Whitworth machine intended for similar duties. Note the revised cockpit enclosure and undercarriage and the D.H. v.p. airscrew.
The prototype Battle taking off from Hayes in March 1936.
The Fairey "Battle" Two-seat Day Bomber (Rolls-Royce "Merlin" engine).
FAIREY "BATTLE" THE NEW ULTRA HIGH SPEED TWO-SEATER MEDIUM BOMBER FITTED WITH ROLLS-ROYCE ENGINE
Первый прототип "Бэттла" - воплощенная элегантность.
The Fairey Battle medium bomber is a two-seater with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, and has been ordered in large numbers for the R.A.F.
В отличие от прототипа (на снимке) на серийных самолетах не было кока винта - итог выбора воздушного винта марки DH.
The prototype Battle photographed by Charles E. Brown over the Fairey flight hangar at the Great West Aerodrome, Hayes in March 1936. K-1303 made its first flight in the hands of Chris Staniland.
THE WORLD'S FASTEST BOMBER: Inspecting the Fairey Battle from stem to stern one finds: three-bladed Fairey airscrew; supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin; small abdominal radiator, possibly denoting high-temperature cooling; internal landing lights; semi retractable undercarriage; complete cockpit enclosure; and cantilever tail plane. The covering is a stressed metal skin. All these features are visible in this view of Flt. Lt. Christopher Staniland "posing" the Battle over Heath Row.
The Battle prototype, K4303, shortly before being shown at the RAF Display in June 1936. It made its first flight in the hands of Chris Staniland from Fairey’s Great West aerodrome on March 10, 1936.
Press viewing of the prototype Battle at Fairey's Hayes aerodrome on March 30, 1936. Note three-bladed, fixed-pitch Fairey Reed propeller and early type canopy.
Three of the Fairey Battle's notable features are apparent here. They are the V.P. airscrew, the new "glasshouse" and the flaps.
The shape of wings to come. Monoplanes fill the new types park at the 1936 pageant.
Some idea of the beautiful plan form of the Fairey Battle may be gathered from this three-quarter rear view.
The Fairey Battle is the latest single-engined bomber to go into service. Its engine is the glycol-cooled R.-R. Merlin I, which gives it a top speed of 257 m.p.h.
All control surfaces of the Battle are fabric covered. The rest of the machine has a metal skin. The trimming tabs can be seen on the left, while the other shows a student of design doing poojah to the trailing-edge flaps.
The undercarriage of the Fairey Battle retracts upwards and backwards into recesses in the wings. A fairing helps to streamline the uncovered portion of the wheel.
An uncowled Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in a production Fairey Battle reveals the down-facing carburettor in-take with its scoop, the separate radiators and details of mounting.
During certain periods ground personnel are expected to work in their gas masks to accustom them to the “feel.”
Single-strut cantilever wheel suspension is a feature of the Fairey Battle. Note the orientable landing lights in the leading edge. The Fairey three-bladed airscrew is of small diameter so that a low undercarriage can be used.
Бравый английский летчик, готовый встать на защиту интересов Британской империи.
Tho location of such items as radiator, undercarriage and landing lights are shown in this view of the nose of a Battle. The clean installation of the 990/1,050 h.p. Merlin is noteworthy.
The finished product faired and cowled. The latest type of exhaust manifold, shown in the first illustration, may be compared with the more familiar stubs seen below.
Handley Page Harrow bombers of No. 115 Squadron taxying in after a cross-country flight. The nose of a Battle gives a decorative touch.
The De Havilland variable-pitch three-blader (Hamilton licence) as fitted on the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine of the Fairey Battle.
The view shows the D.H. variable-pitch airscrew and the retractable undercarriage.
The 25th Merlin I powered the Fairey Battle prototype, K4303, and drove a three-bladed, fixed pitch Fairey-Reed propeller. Rolls-Royce's first orders for the Merlin were for the Battle.
For night operations, these 12 Sqn aircraft have shields to reduce exhaust glare for the pilot and the centre portion of the glazed cockpit has been painted over to help the work of the bomb-aimer/observer.
"Бэттлы" 12-й эскадрильи RAF. Обратите внимание на самодельные щитки над выхлопными патрубками, предохранявшие пилотов от ослепления пламенем выхлопа в ночных полетах.
RAF Battle at Evere.
Designed to Specification P.27/32 for a single-engined day bomber, the Fairey Battle entered RAF service in May 1937. Originally conceived as a bomber able to reach Paris, it was hopelessly ill-equipped to be able to shift its focus to targets in Germany; as a strategic bomber it was an abject failure - but it had potential as a short-range tactical bomber.
The Fairey Battles are lined up on Upwood aerodrome.
Two Squadrons of Fairey "Battle" Light Bombers (Rolls-Royce "Merlin") lined up at one of the new R.A.F. aerodromes. The pilots are in the foreground and other members of the crews in front of their machines.
"IT WAS A FAMOUS VICTORY." The Battle and the Blenheim make an appropriate background for the aircraft apprentices of Halton. The officers' mess is in the distance.
A formation of Fairey "Battle" Bombers (Rolls-Royce "Merlin") of the Belgian Military Air Force.
Для экипажей британских и бельгийских легких бомбардировщиков "Бэттл" осень и зима 1939-1940гг. прошли сравнительно спокойно, но в мае-июне 1940г. их ждали тяжелые испытания.
Зимой 1939-1940 годов в северной Франции выпал снег. Интенсивность полетов резко снизилась.
An Amiot 143 of an unidentified Escadre with a Fairey Battle of the Advanced Air Striking Force shortly before the Wehrmacht assault in the spring of 1940.
MIXED GRILL IN CANADA: The Canadian type of De Havilland Tiger Moth, the Fairey Battle, North American Harvard, Westland Lysander and Airspeed Oxford are all in use in the R.C.A.F. and are represented in this group. The Lysander is built in Canada but the Battles and Oxfords were imported from England.
Зимой 1939-1940 годов экипажи столкнулись с суровыми метеоусловиями. Обильные снегопады заваливали взлетно-посадочные полосы Северной Франции, мешая полетам несколько недель.
In France the Battles are camouflaged while on the ground by special nets or are screened by trees or haystacks. The view shows a typical scheme.
Specification P.27/32, to which Folland was broadly working for his piggyback bomber, ultimately resulted in a production contract for the similar but slightly larger Fairey Battle, which entered RAF service in May 1937.
Battle K7612 of 52 Squadron taxying out at RAF Northolt in May 1938.
Battles of 12 Squadron taking off from Andover in May 1938. This unit went to France in September 1939 as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force.
The Battle is typical modern stressed-skin type.
The second of two Fairey P.4/34s, K7555 was used in the early war years to flight-test Fairey Youngman flaps and, later, pneumatically-operated bellows-type airbrakes.
The Fairey Battle with a single Rolls-Royce Merlin II
63-я эскадрилья британских ВВС использовала Battle Mk I для подготовки летчиков экипажей Battle (авиабаза Бенсон, ноябрь 1939 года).
Fairey Battle K7650 63-M of No 63 Sqn photographed early in 1938.
Although the Fairey Battle could deliver twice as many bombs twice as far as the types it replaced, the Hawker Hart and Hind biplane bombers, it was nevertheless easy prey for the new generation of monoplane fighters; a lesson learned the hard way during the early days of the Second World War.
FAIREY BATTLE: Bomber (Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine - 1,050 h.p. at 16,250ft.); span, 54ft.; gross weight, 10,775 lb.; max. speed, 257 m.p.h. at 15,000ft.
Three No 218 Sqn Fairey Battles, coded HA, formate for the official photographer just after transferring to France. Only the leading aircraft would survive, being returned to the UK in March; the other two were shot down during operations in May 1940.
A flight of Battles at formation practice.
Another view of the trio of 12 Squadron Battles taken during a flight from Andover in May 1938. They are K7674, K7677 and K7662.
The graceful lines of the Fairey Battle are shown to advantage in this view of a flight of No. 12 (Bomber) Squadron, Andover.
На фотографии - три бомбардировщика Battle в 1937 году. Два года спустя, 20 сентября 1939 года, бортстрелок с Battle сбил Bf 109 - первая победа британских летчиков во Второй мировой войне. Battle стал и первым принятым на вооружение самолетом с мотором Merlin.
Fairey Battles of No 12 Squadron based at RAF Andover. The first Battles entered RAF service with 63 Squadron in May 1937.
Осенью 1938-го на "Бэттлах" сменились опознавательные знаки - с кокард исчезли демаскирующие белые и желтые круги.
A formation of six Battles photographed during the period of the “Phoney War" in November 1939.
One of the RAF’s more advanced machines in 1938, the single-engined Fairey Battle light bomber could carry twice as many bombs twice as far as the Hawker Hind it replaced. The Battle entered RAF service in May 1937, but was also - rather mysteriously - excluded from the total bomb-lift figure for the RAF presented in 1938.
"Echelon stepped up" is a most tricky formation, but in the picture the young pilots of No. 63 (Bomber) Squadron are doing very well.
A flight of Fairey Battles in formation. This picture shows the plan view of the machine as it would appear to diving fighters in air exercises.
Shadow-shading helps to make an aeroplane inconspicuous when seen from above with the earth as a background, but against a white cloud the machines stand out vividly.
With its wheels retracted and almost entirely concealed, the Battle is as clean as any aeroplane in the skies. Its top speed is given by the manufacturers as 257 m.p.h.
There was a strong Service support; here are Fairey Battles of No. 218 (B) Squadron from Boscombe Down.
A formation of Fairey "Battles" (Rolls-Royce "Merlin") flying over fog in Berkshire.
Three Battles of 12 Squadron, K7674 and K7677 nearest, up from RAF Andover in May 1939.
Formation by nine Fairey Battles of the Belgian Air Force.
Three No 218 Sqn Fairey Battles, coded HA, formate for the official photographer just after transferring to France. Only the leading aircraft would survive, being returned to the UK in March; the other two were shot down during operations in May 1940.
BATTLE ARRAY: This flight of Fairey Battles has that grimly purposeful air which always seems to distinguish the modern medium bomber dressed in camouflage. In large-scale production, and now forming the equipment of several R.A.F. squadrons, the Battle has the Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine. Top speed is 257 m.p.h. at 15,000ft.
The Fairey Battle has a single Rolls-Royce Merlin engine;
A flight of Battles of No. 142 (B.) Squadron about to release their bombs (practice variety) over an aerodrome target.
Those three Battles again - K7662, K7674 and K7677. All three aircraft became maintenance instructional airframes in 1940.
THE MIMIC: A striking Flight photograph of the production Fairey Battle, with Flt. Lt. Christopher Staniland in charge, demonstrating the purpose of camouflage.
A superb shot of the first production Fairey Battle, K7558. This aircraft was the subject of test reports from both Martlesham and the RAE at Farnborough. A single forward-firing gun can be seen inboard of the starboard landing light.
A GOOD PLAN: The plan view of a draughtsman's general arrangement drawing could be little more accurate than this Flight photograph of a Fairey Battle single-engined bomber (Rolls-Royce Merlin engine). The Battle was the subject of one of the first “Expansion” orders and is doing excellent service. It is extensively used as a dive-bomber.
Flt. Lt. Staniland, in one of the production Fairey Battles, gives a new force to a line from Virgil. This remarkable photograph was secured by Flight's chief photographer from an accompanying Swordfish flown by F/O F. H. Dixon.
A fine example of the single-engined bomber: The Fairey Battle with Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine. Hundreds are in service.
The cumbersome Fairey Battle replaced 35 Squadron's Wellesleys in April 1938. K7558, seen here, never served with an operational squadron.
Manoeuvrability has not been sacrificed to performance, as indicated in this picture of the Battle in a vertical bank. The pilot is Flt. Lt. C. S. Staniland, Fairey's chief test pilot.
Dramatic view of Battle K7551 flying from Hayes on July 6, 1937. This first production aircraft was tested by the A&AEE, RAE and the makers before going to a general reconnaissance unit at Exeter. It was damaged beyond repair during a forced landing at Tiverton, Devon on August 27, 1940.
A Fairey Battle turns after releasing practice bombs on a target at a typical Armament Training Station of the R.A.F.
In France the Battle squadrons are dropping live bombs on the ranges. A flight of these machines is seen above “attacking” with ordinary practice bombs.
Франция получила первый H75A-1 в декабре 1938 года, за ним последовали более 300 машин модификаций A-2, -3 и -4. Истребители принимали участие в боях с Люфтваффе. Из-за необычной системы управления двигателем машины довольно сложно осваивались французскими летчиками, однако их использовали вплоть до капитуляции Франции в июне 1940 года. На фотографии - французские Hawk сопровождают британские Fairey Battle.
French Curtiss H.75As flying alongside RAF Fairey Battles.
Bold codes, but no fin flashes, are features of these 88 Sqn aircraft, escorted by two Hawk 75-C1s of Groupe de Chasse II/4, Armee de l’Air. Surprisingly, all three Battles survived the German onslaught in May 1940 to serve with the Canadian and Australian air forces.
Война объявлена! "Бэттлы" летят на задание в сопровождении французских истребителей "Кертисс" H.75 из знаменитой группы "Аистов".
An interesting formation comprising l. to r., Fairey Battle K7572, the He 70G, and Hawker Fury K3586 near Hucknall in September 1937.
Three Redhill V.R. Fairey Battles with the Sabena Douglas D.C.3 and the good Imperial “E” class ship Eddystone making the foreground.
Бельгийский "Бэттл" в полете.
One of the Battles of 5/III/3 'Egyptian Falcon'.
Its good take-off and landing qualities enable the Battle to operate from aerodromes of comparatively small dimensions. It will be seen above how the fine lines of the machine are broken up when the wheels and flaps are lowered.
A Battle is seen coming in to Andover, where Nos. 12 and 142 Squadrons are armed with this formidable machine.
Battle K7662 of No 12 Squadron, based at Andover, displays its flaps on a landing approach.
Grimly businesslike in its dark camouflage - the Fairey Battle, which is now being supplied to the Belgian Air Force.
Lighter-and-heavier-than-air Day in the big hangar at Cardington. In this non-stop variety picture are barrage balloons, a Blenheim and a Battle (left), a new Hind Trainer (foreground), Hector, Shark, Swordfish and Cloud (right), not to mention other less discernible aircraft and a goodly proportion of the population of Bedfordshire.
Sir Kingsley and Lord Austin with - on the left - Sqn. Ldr. T. H. England, who demonstrated the machine.
The answer is in the negative. A member of the crew of a Fairey Battle passes the exposed plates to photographer for development. Curiously enough, this particular photographic Battle bears the letters "M.Q."
A Battle has no sooner rolled to a standstill after a reconnaissance flight over the lines than the photographic plates are passed down to waiting hands.
The re-formed No. 63 Squadron. Squadron Leader V. S. Parker, D.F.C. A.F.C., the Commanding Officer, is in the centre.
A GOOD BACKGROUND: Pilots of the Belgian Air Force get together before a trim line-up of their Fairey Battle bombers. The version of the Battle supplied to Belgium is basically similar to the R.A.F. type but has a longer radiator cowling and a smoother camouflage finish, both of which refinements contribute to a slightly improved performance. The Battle is used not only for bombing but for strategical reconnaissance duties.
MORE BATTLES FOR BELGIUM: Last Thursday five Fairey Battles (Rolls-Royce Merlin), the first batch of sixteen ordered by Belgium, were collected from the makers aerodrome at Heathrow, Middlesex, by Belgian Air Force pilots, making the journey to Brussels in an hour. The pilots, seen in the photograph, were Adjts. Nollet, Claert, Caryn and Geerts, and Flt. Lt. Spoelberch.
Фэйри "Бэттл" - самый современный бомбардировщик бельгийских ВВС в 1940 году. Этих самолетов хватило только на один боевой вылет
"Бэттл" I, использовавшийся как учебный в Канаде
A French officer meets the crew of a 226 Sqn Battle after a reconnaissance sortie.
On June 20, 1940 these photographers from 212 PR Squadron escaped from France in Fairey Battle L5360, flown by Flt Lt "Tug” Wilson, a PR pilot.
Three potential aces at an advanced training squadron with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940. A total of 739 Battles found their way to Canada as part of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
EMPIRE DUST-UP: The first of South Africa’s Fairey Battles arrives at Pretoria from Cape Town. It came to the latter place by ship, and covered the 1,000 miles to Pretoria in four hours in the hands of Major J. Marais of the South African Air Force
A Battle in service with the South African Air Force.
Двухместная учебная модификация "Бэттл Т".
Relegated from active service early in World War II, the Battle was used for a variety of other tasks, including training.
200 Battle trainers were built, the first appearing in 1940. The two separate cockpits necessitated fairly extensive changes to the fuselage structure.
A Battle T trainer, P6723, in service with Polish-manned No 304 Sqn in 1940 alongside Battle bombers.
Fairey Battle trainer.
"Бэттл" с турелью от "Бленхейма" предназначался для тренировки воздушных стрелков.
Battle IT 1966 was ex-RAF L5421, delivered to Canada in June 1941 and fitted with a dorsal turret in April 1943.
С расширением программы no подготовке летного состава пришлось создать версию Battle T для обучения бортстрелков, оснащенную стрелковой установкой башенного типа Bristol Type I с одним 7,7-мм пулеметом вместо второй кабины пилота.
"Бэттлы" - буксировщики мишеней отличались яркой черно-желтой "пчелиной" окраской.
Relegated from active service early in World War II, the Battle was used for a variety of other tasks, including target towing.
Battle TT, RCAF serial 1650, in target-tow colours, was ex-RAF L5608, delivered direct to Canada for service at No 4 B&G School.
Не пошедший в серию прототип "Бэттла" с 24-цилиндровым двигателем P.24 и соосными винтами.
1940-е годы - испытания британских поршневых двигателей. "Fairey" отрабатывала двигатель Р.24 Prince на Battle Mk I K9370
A Fairey Battle fitted with the Fairey P-24 engine and Fairey contra-rotating airscrews. The contra-rotating Monarch only flew on Battle K9370. Note the large ventral radiator and original spinner.
Fairey Battle I K9370 tested the contra-rotating propeller Rolls-Royce P24 Prince.
Modifications made to K9370 to test the Monarch and the addition of US markings made it one of the more exotic Battle test-beds
REVERSE LEND-LEASE. From Harold G. Martin of Miami, Florida, comes this new view of the Fairey Battle flying test-bed (K9370), modified to accommodate the experimental 2,240-h.p. Fairey P.24 Prince X-type, 24-cylinder liquid-cooled engine (twice the power ot the normal Rolls-Royce Merlin-engined Battle) The P.24, driving a 6-blade contraprop, was developed from the 480-h.p. licence-built Curtiss D.12 (Fairey Felix) which powered the two-seat day bomber Fairey Fox of 1925. The Prince F.T.B. was first flown on 30th June 1939. After 100-hours test flying, it was crated and shipped to the Wright Field on 5th December 1941 exchanging R.A.F. camouflage and roundels for U.S.A.A.F. markings. The P.24 was intended for a version of the Barracuda. Increased range was permissible by shutting down one 12-cyl. Vee.
A close up of the Merlin XII installed in N2234.
As part of its long and troubled development the Sabre was flown in two fixed-gear Battles (L5286 illustrated).
Battle L5286 was one of at least two used for Napier Sabre testing at Luton (the other being K9278).
1940-е годы - испытания британских поршневых двигателей. В начале 1940-х годов для этих целей широко использовали Fairey Battle. Они применялись как летающие лаборатории моторостроительными фирмами, включая и "Rolls-Royce", которая испытывала на нем различные варианты двигателей (фото) и экспериментальный мотор Ехе.
Rolls-Royce test flew the Merlin XII using Battle N2234.
A blow-up from a larger image, showing a Battle of great interest. The identity of the Battle and the powerplant mounted is unknown. The installation looks superficially similar to that of the Merlin XII on N2234, although this aircraft has an additional chin inlet.
A Welland test-bed very likely at Boscombe Down. In the background to the right is the 'mystery' Battle test-bed illustrated in AE126.
1940-е годы - испытания британских поршневых двигателей. В начале 1940-х годов для этих целей широко использовали Fairey Battle. Они применялись как летающие лаборатории моторостроительными фирмами, включая и "Rolls-Royce", которая испытывала на нем различные варианты двигателей и экспериментальный мотор Ехе (фото).
The Exe only ever flew on Battle K9222.
K9331 was the Taurus test-bed. Note the extension forward of the firewall for centre of gravity purposes.
Ряд Battle использовались в качестве летающих лабораторий для изучения и отработки моторов Napier Dagger и Sabre, Bristol Hercules (на снимке) и Taurus, Rolls-Royce Exe и Merlin XII, а также Fairey Prince.
K9331 after repainting. Note that the cooler 'pod' was repositioned further forward.
1940-е годы - испытания британских поршневых двигателей. "Bristol" использовала самолет для испытаний двигателей Taurus (сверху) и Centaurus (внизу).
Several Battle test-beds had fixed undercarriages: both of the Hercules test-beds (N2042 illustrated) had the modification.
The sole Cyclone-powered Battle IIT was an attempt by the RCAF to prevent any possible shortage of Merlins grounding its fleet.
The Strathallan Collection’s Fairey Battle I, R3950, is moved from storage to the Strathallan Museum on January 6, 1977. The fuselage has since been thoroughly cleaned, repaired and primed, and will be on display this year.
At Strathallan, Fairey Battle R3950 is to be restored to flying condition.
Latest addition to the Imperial War Museum's collection at Duxford is Fairey Battle R3950, which was used as a target-tug by the R.C.A.F. as “1899", later went to the Strathallan Collection and is now owned by Mr. C. Church who has loaned it to the I.W.M.
The small frontal area of the twelve-cylinder Rolls-Royce Merlin engine is well brought out in this end-on view.
ROYAL VISIT: Their Majesties the King and Queen began their visit to Birmingham last week by inspecting the Austin shadow factory at Longbridge. Accompanied by Mr. Neville Chamberlain and Lord Austin, they saw Fairey Battles in production.
THE ROYAL TOUR: Two photographs indicative of the interest and enthusiasm shown by the personnel of the Fairey Aviation Company’s Heaton Chapel Works when the King made a visit of inspection last week. On the left Mr. C. R. Fairey is seen presenting a member of the works staff to His Majesty.
Assembling the monocoque portions of Battle fuselages in the Stockport works. The size of the rear cockpit may be gathered from the fuselage in the foreground.
Серийная сборка "Бэттлов" на заводе фирмы "Фэйри".
MACHINES IN THE MAKING: The works view give an idea of modern speed of production even a year ago, when the photograph, in Fairey’s Stockport works, was taken.
The main erecting shop at the Stockport works. Note the "crash pylons" on the forward portion of the monocoque structures.
The completed Battle fuselages in this view have received their Merlins. It will be seen that the first two bays are of tubular construction.
The outer panels of Battle wings are seen here taking shape. Note, near the roots, provision for the undercarriage and bomb storage.
Centre sections, showing the "well" which accommodates the observer while he performs certain of his duties.
Sir Kingsley Wood and Lord Austin watch the assembly of a centre section in a vertical jig.