Fairey Fairey IIIF
Варианты:
Fairey - Fairey IIIF - 1926 - Великобритания
Страна: Великобритания
Год: 1926


Самолет-разведчик и самолет общего назначения с экипажем из 2-3 человек
Описание:
Семейство Fairey III
Flight, July 1928
THE FAIREY III F
Flight, June 1929
BRITISH AIRCRAFT AT OLYMPIA
Фотографии:

Ч/б фото (135)

Семейство Fairey III

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   Обозначение Fairey IIIE, вероятно, не присваивалось ни одной машине, хотя отдельные источники приписывают его цельнометаллическому самолету для радиотехнической разведки. Заключительной и самой многочисленной модификацией стал Fairey IIIF, составивший костяк авиапарка британских ВВС и авиации ВМС в период между двумя мировыми войнами. Планировавшийся как замена Fairey IIID, вариант Fairey IIIF был построен в соответствии со Спецификацией 19/24, которая определяла характеристики двухместного сухопутного многоцелевого самолета для ВВС и трехместного корректировщика огня/разведывательного самолета для авиации ВМС. Прототип поднялся в воздух в марте 1926 года и имел деревянные крылья и деревянно-металлический фюзеляж, но серийные машины отличались уже полностью металлическим фюзеляжем, а поздние варианты - вдобавок и металлическими крыльями. Fairey IIIF строился в четырех основных вариантах, но каждый из них имел несколько подвариантов. Вслед за двумя прототипами последовала предсерийная партия из 10 самолетов, британская морская авиация получила 352 самолета, из которых первые 50 включали самолеты предсерийного заказа и 40 самолетов Fairey IIIF Mk I с двигателями Napier Lion VA, а остальная партия включала 33 самолета Fairey IIIF Mk II и 269 самолетов Fairey IIIF Mk III различных модификаций, но все - с двигателями Lion XIA.
   Британские ВВС получили 243 самолета - все их варианты имели обозначение Fairey IIIF Mk IV. Первые поступившие в ВВС самолеты пришли из предсерийного заказа для ВМС, шесть самолетов были переданы в 1927 году в 47-ю эскадрилью в Хартуме (для замены самолетов Bristol Fighter). Первыми самолетами, построенными специально для ВВС, стали 43 машины моделей Mk IV и Mk IVCM, в январе 1928 года они были поставлены в 207-ю эскадрилью, дислоцированную в Истчёрче - для замены старых DH.9A.
   Самолеты Fairey IIIF выполнили ряд рекордных полетов, но постепенно им на смену пришел Fairey Gordon - оснащенный звездообразным двигателем вариант, изначально известный как Fairey IIIF Mk V. Авиация британских ВМС получила первый Fairey IIIF в 1928 году, он поступил в 440-й отряд (звено) на смену Fairey IIID. После этого 12 авиаотрядов заменили самолетами Fairey IIIF более старые Avro Bison, Blackburn Blackburd и Ripon. Самолеты состояли на вооружении авиаотрядов всех британских авианосцев того времени и дислоцировались на каждой авиабазе морской авиации, а в варианте поплавкового гидросамолета - находились на вооружении оснащенных катапультами линейных кораблей и крейсеров.
   Самолеты также приняли участие в различных экспериментах, одним из наиболее интересных стало переоборудование трех самолетов для автоматического управления или радиоуправления при использовании в качестве самолета-мишени для тренировки артиллерийских расчетов. Под обозначением Queen IIIF первые два самолета были запущены с катапульты британского авианосца "Вэлиант" в январе и апреле 1932 года, но оба потерпели аварию после 18 и 25 секунд полета, соответственно. А вот третий самолет успешно поднялся в воздух в сентябре 1932 года, а в январе 1933 года он был запущен в свой первый полет как мишень - также успешно. Самолет Queen IIIF выжил - флотские артиллеристы, потратив два часа и весь боезапас, так и не смогли сбить его. Однако в мае 1933 года британские моряки все же подтвердили свое высокое мастерство - после 20 минут стрельбы самолет-мишень был сбит на высоте 2440 м неподалеку от Мальты.
   Оснащенный поплавками Fairey IIIF с ноября 1932 года стали заменять на Hawker Osprey, перевооружение было закончено к 1935 году. Остальные Fairey IIIF с 1933 года стали заменяться на Fairey Seal - принятый на вооружение британских ВМС аналог самолета Gordon. Известны следующие экспортные поставки самолетов Fairey IIIF: три машины в Авиакорпус ирландской Армии, шесть - в Аргентину, две - в Новую Зеландию, десять - в Грецию и одну - в Чили. На самолетах Fairey IIIF устанавливались различные двигатели, в том числе - звездообразный Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar VI мощностью 460 л. с. (343 кВт) и двигатель с водяным охлаждением Lorraine 12Ed мощностью 450 л. с. (336 кВт), которым оснащались самолеты для Аргентины. На них позднее были установлены звездообразные двигатели Armstrong Siddeley Panther VI мощностью 550 л. с. (410 кВт). Другими двигателями, устанавливавшимися в экспериментальных целях, были Rolls-Royce Kestrel II мощностью 635 л. с. (474 кВт), Panther IIА мощностью 525 л. с. (391 кВт), Bristol Jupiter VIII мощностью 520 л.с. (388 кВт) и Napier Culverin аналогичной мощности, а также выпускавшийся по лицензии дизельный двигатель Junkers Jumo 205C.
   Несколько Fairey IIIF эксплуатировались в гражданской авиации, один из них - модель Mk IIIM - в 1934 году принимал участие в гонках на приз Мак-Робертсона на маршруте из Великобритании в Австралию. Самолет остался в Австралии, а в 1936 году был перерегистрирован в Новой Гвинее. В 1930 году два самолета Mk IIIM были проданы авиакомпании "Air Survey Co. Ltd", но в том же году один из них был потерян, а другой продолжал аэрофотосъемку до 1934 года.


ТАКТИКО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Fairey IIIF Mk IIIM/B (гидросамолет)

   Тип: самолет-разведчик и самолет общего назначения с экипажем из 2-3 человек
   Силовая установка: один W-образный ПД Napier Lion XIA мощностью 570 л. с. (425 кВт)
   Летные характеристики: макс. скорость на высоте 3050 м - 209 км/ч; набор высоты 1525 м - за 6 мин 42 с; практический потолок 6095 м; продолжительность полета 4 часа
   Масса: пустого 1779 кг; максимальная взлетная 2858 кг
   Размеры: размах крыла 13,94 м; длина 10,82 м; высота 4,26 м; площадь крыльев 41,20 м2
   Вооружение: один стреляющий вперед 7,7-мм пулемет Vickers в передней части фюзеляжа и один наводимый 7,7-мм пулемет Lewis для обороны задней полусферы (в задней кабине), плюс до 263 кг вооружений на трех подкрыльевых узлах подвески - в основном две 113-кг бомбы, или две 104-кг бомбы, или четыре 51-кг бомбы, и в каждом варианте - плюс еще четыре 9,1-кг бомбы

Flight, July 1928

THE FAIREY III F
Napier "Lion" or Bristol "Jupiter"

   ADAPTABLE to a great variety of requirements, the III F, designed and built by the Fairey Aviation Co., Ltd., is produced in two main types - as a two-seater general-purpose machine and as a three-seater Naval reconnaissance type for service with the Fleet Air Arm. The two types are almost identical in all respects save that of crew accommodation, and perform the same general functions, i.e., day bombing, offensive and defensive fighting, photography, reconnaissance, gunnery spotting, &c. The three-seater carries, in addition to pilot and gunner or observer, a wireless operator who is seated between the two other occupants, in a position where he is in the closest communication with either.
   By way of further extending the utility of these two types the undercarriage of the III F can be either a wheel or a float type, the fuselage structure, &c, being designed to resist the loads peculiar to the twin-float type of undercarriage. Both types are now also available in two forms of construction: mixed wood and metal, or all-metal. The following notes deal with the all-metal version, and more particularly with the general purpose two-seater type, which is the one illustrated in the photograph.
   As the III F is equipped for general-purpose work, there is not the space here to refer to more than a small proportion of the equipment. The pilot's cockpit has all the usual number of instruments, &c, and a synchronised gun on the port side. The seat can be raised and lowered, and is deep enough to accommodate the seat type parachute if desired. Dividing the rear cockpit from the front is a metal bulkhead, in the lower portion of which, on the port side, are mounted airspeed indicator, altimeter and watch, so that they can be read easily by the gunner when he is lying prone for bombing, &c. The bomb sight is arranged to be mounted on the side of the trap-door opening. Below the trap door is a sliding panel in the fairing, so that no break in the fuselage lines is caused when the trap door is not in use.
   In the two-seater a camera of the automatic hand-operated type is fitted, in addition to the radio equipment. If the latter is of the modified type, as supplied to the British Air Ministry, it is possible to use the camera without withdrawing the radio installation. Tapping keys are provided in both cockpits. The wireless generator is mounted on a swinging arm, so that it can be swung inboard when not in use.
   The rear-gun mounting may be either of the Scarff-ring pattern or the new Fairey type, which has been specially designed to meet the requirements of a fast machine. Various bomb loads can be taken as standard equipment. For example, a total of 2 bombs of 230 lbs. (104-5 kg.) each or two of 250 lbs. (113-5 kg.) each, and four sighter bombs can be carried, or four bombs of 112 lbs. (51 kg.) each and four sighter bombs. Or two racks of 4 by 20 lb. bombs alone can be used. All bombs are carried under the main plane.
   Fuselage. - Of all-metal construction, with a stiff tubular central cellule forming the structure to which are attached the welded-tube engine mounting in front and the rear portion of the fuselage at the back. Covering is of fabric at the back, and aluminium panels in front.
   Wings. - Spars of drawn corrugated steel tube, of the section known as "double eight," with pressed ribs clipped to it. Covering of fabric.
   Engine installation. - The standard III F machine is equipped with Napier "Lion," but if an air-cooled power plant is desired, the machine can be fitted with the "Jupiter VIII" geared engine. The petrol system is arranged so that the pump delivers through the hand pump, so that in case of failure no time is lost in changing over.
   Undercarriage. - The land type has a Vee undercarriage with oleo shock-absorbing legs, while the seaplane type has a twin-float undercarriage with Duralumin floats.

Flight, June 1929

BRITISH AIRCRAFT AT OLYMPIA

THE FAIREY AVIATION CO., LTD.

   ONE of the most imposing individual exhibits at Olympia will be found on the Fairey stand, where no less than eight complete aircraft will be exhibited, in addition to smaller items such as airscrews, etc. These eight machines will be :-
   One Fairey III F, Napier "Lion XI," to be shown in skeleton.
   One III F 3-seater ("Lion XI") Fleet Air Arm Seaplane.
   One III F 2-seater (" Jaguar VI") General Purpose landplane.
   One "Fox" 2-seater (Rolls-Royce F) high-performance light day bomber.
   One Long-Distance Monoplane (Napier "Lion").
   One "Firefly II" (Rolls-Royce F) single-seater interception fighter.
   One single-seater fighter Ship 'plane with alternative land undercarriage (Rolls-Royce F).
   One Fairey two-seater Fleet fighter reconnaissance seaplane (Rolls-Royce F).

   The Fairey III F to be shown in skeleton will afford a very excellent opportunity for visitors to Olympia to inspect in detail the Fairey forms of all-metal construction. This was in fact, the machine from which we obtained most of the sketches which illustrate this article, and as the III F is largely typical of other Fairey machines shown, with certain detail variations, it will also be used here as a basis for a brief description of Fairey metal construction in general, bearing in mind the fact that the construction to be described is only broadly similar in some of the other types and not absolutely identical.
   Mr. C. R. Fairey was one of the first British constructors to adopt welded steel tube fuselage construction, and as a result of very extensive experiments on a very large number of joints, he became convinced of the mechanical soundness of welding if properly carried out. Gradually a system has been evolved at Hayes which has been found not only rapid and cheap in production, but also to stand up well to its work under actual service conditions. It should be realised that at the present time there is probably something like 200 Fairey III F machines in service in various parts of the world, and if the special Fairey form of welded construction had been at all likely to develop any fault, it stands to reason that this would have been discovered long ago. Consequently one may justifiably assume the Fairey form of welded steel tube fuselage construction to be thoroughly reliable.
   In this connection it should be pointed out that Fairey does not, like Fokker for example, employ welded construction throughout. For instance, the front portion of the fuselage has longerons and struts with end fittings in the form of plugs pinned into the tubes, the plugs being formed with either plain eye bolt ends or with fork ends. These end fittings in turn are bolted to steel "spools," which also carry the anchorages for any bracing wires, etc. It may be recalled that even in the days before all-metal construction the Fairey Aviation Co. made use of these "spools" at certain points such as where lower wings, top centre-section struts and undercarriage struts were attached. The "spools" have been retained after the rest of the structure became all-metal.
   Forward of the backbone or central cellule formed by the bolted tubes is attached the engine bearer, itself a welded steel tube structure. The joints between the engine bearer and fuselage proper are made on "spools." Aft of the central cellule, also joined by "spools," the fuselage structure makes use of the Fairey form of welded construction. The longerons in this portion run through from rear spool to sternpost. The struts in the sides and those in top and bottom bays, instead of being individually attached, as is more usually done, are made up into the form of a panel or frame, the strut ends being welded to plates which, when in place on the machine, rather more than half surround the longerons, to which the plates are riveted, thereby locating the panel on the longerons. It will be seen that with the Fairey form of welded construction, the longerons themselves are not affected at all by the welding process, and this may have something to do with the good results obtained.
   The Fairey all-metal wing construction differs slightly according to the type of machine, but in the case of the III F's of all types, and some of the other types, the main wing spars are steel tubes which were originally of circular section and fairly large diameter, but have been formed into a section known as the "double eight." Up to a certain size of machine this form of spar has been found to be very good, and it is certainly simple to use, the attachment of fittings being a very easy matter. The wing ribs are of duralumin and consist of pressed webs which have lightening holes in them, and also vertical flutings formed on them for stiffness. Finally it should be pointed out that all steel parts are protected against corrosion by cadmium plating, and all duralumin parts anodically treated.
   These brief notes must suffice as an indication of the broad general principles of Fairey all-metal construction, and the individual aircraft to be exhibited at Olympia can now be dealt with in what detail may be permissible in the case of each machine. Air Ministry restrictions will prevent a very full discussion of the features of several of the types, as they are still released for "Part Publication" only.
   As the III F is the type by which the name Fairey has become known throughout the world, this will be dealt with first. It is probably a well-known fact that the Fairey III F is one of the most "versatile" types of aircraft ever produced in this or any other country. Apart from the fact that this type of machine can be supplied either as a two-seater, General Purpose landplane, as a Fleet Air Arm three-seater, as a Naval Reconnaissance machine, and as a landplane or seaplane in these various classes, the range is further extended by the fact that a great variety of engines, British and foreign, can be fitted according to the requirements of customers, water-cooled and air-cooled engines being installed as desired.
   The Fleet Air Arm three-seater III F to be exhibited at Olympia will be fitted with a Napier "Lion XI" engine, and will be shown as a seaplane, with standard float undercarriage which consists of tubular steel struts carrying two Duralumin floats. The rear legs of the float chassis are telescopic and incorporate shock absorbing equipment. The floats themselves are large (each of about 190 cub. ft. volume), and carry water rudders on their sterns, operated by the rudder pedals of the air rudder controls. Provision is made in the design of the floats for attachment of beaching wheels, which can be quickly attached and again detached.
   As already mentioned, the III F is produced both as a two-seater and as a three-seater. The seaplane exhibited has the three-seater arrangement, which differs from that of the two-seater mainly in the formation and dimensions of the deck fairings in the immediate vicinity of the rear cockpit.
   The Fairey III F is characterised by a long slender fuselage of good streamline form, and by a two-bay biplane cellule in which the upper and lower wings are not staggered in relation to each other. The pilot's cockpit is situated just aft of the rear spar of the top plane, from which position he has a good view in nearly all directions. The seat is deep enough to take a seat type of parachute, and is so arranged that it can be raised and lowered easily during flight. The controls incorporate cam quadrants arranged to produce variable gearing between the pilot's controls and the control surfaces. This is achieved by means of cam quadrants in such a way that as the control surface angle increases so an increasingly greater movement is made with the pilot's controls. This arrangement considerably lessens fatigue to the pilot, especially, of course, on nights of long duration. A very full equipment of instruments is provided, as well as guns, ammunition and variable camber gear.
   In the Fleet Air Ann type of III F the rear gunner occupies the third seat, while between him and the pilot, but in the same cockpit as the gunner, is the seat for the wireless operator. Between the two cockpits is a metal partition, in the lower portion of which are mounted an airspeed indicator, altimeter and watch, an arrangement which allows an easy reading to be taken by the occupants of the rear cockpit when lying in a prone position for the purpose of sighting for bomb dropping. In the floor is a trap door below which, in the fuselage bottom fairing, there is a sliding panel which is kept closed when the trap door is closed, thus avoiding the break in the airflow that might occur even when the trap door was closed. The bomb sight for prone bombing is arranged to be mounted on the trap door frame.
   A full-size survey type of camera is mounted centrally towards the rear of the cockpit, a movable trap door being provided in the floor. All types of Fairey III F aircraft are bonded for radio, and every provision is made for the installation of the necessary apparatus. Tapping keys are provided in the pilot's as well as in the rear cockpit. The radio generator is attached to a swinging arm mounted on the starboard side of the cockpit, and is operated by means of a non-reversible worm gear which swings the generator from its stowage position within the cockpit to its outboard position in the air stream.
   The armament consists of two machine guns and a quantity of bombs. The forward gun, operated by the pilot, is of the belt-fed type, while the rear gun, in charge of the gunner, is of the drum-fed type. The front gun is mounted on the port side of the cockpit, and fires through a blast-channel let into the fuselage fairing and engine cowling. The gun sights, which may be of the ring and bead type, or of the "Aldis" type, are mounted on the upper deck fairing of the fuselage immediately in front of the pilot's line of vision. An ammunition box holding 600 rounds is mounted in front of the pilot, and is quickly detachable for refilling.
   The rear gun mounting may be either of the Scarff ring pattern, or the new Fairey-type gun mounting which has been specially designed to meet the requirements arising from the increased performance and manoeuvrability of modern aircraft. Pegs are provided within the rear cockpit for five double drums of ammunition for the rear gun. The new Fairey gun mounting is remarkable on account of the great area of fire which it enables to be covered, and, in addition it is some 15 lbs. lighter than the ring type. Moreover, when not in use the gun stows into a recess in the deck fairing without having to be removed from the mounting; thus the gun, although out of the way and offering no extra resistance, is ready for action at a moment's notice.
   As regards the bomb part of the armament, the Fairey III F is arranged to take various bomb loads as standard equipment. As an example it may be mentioned that a total of two 230-lb. or 250-lb. bombs and four sighter bombs may be carried. Or four 112-lb. bombs and four sighter bombs. Or again, two racks of four 20-lb. bombs can be used, but other arrangements can conveniently be carried out. As a rule, separate release controls are provided for the pilot and bomber, while the fuse levers are so placed as to be within reach of either. All bombs are carried outboard under the lower planes.
   The power plant of a Fairey III F of any type may, as already mentioned, be almost any water-cooled or air-cooled engine of suitable power (450-600 h.p.). In the seaplane exhibited at Olympia it will be a Napier "Lion XI" of 6 to 1 compression ratio. As mentioned previously, the engine mounting is a welded steel tube structure, and a fireproof bulkhead separates the engine from the front part of the fuselage. The fuel system consists of an engine-driven petrol pump delivering fuel to the carburettors through a special design of hand pump, which can be operated instantly by the pilot should necessity arise. The normal fuel tank capacity is 124 gallons, giving a range at cruising speed of approximately 700 miles. If desired "bomb" tanks can be attached in the position under the lower wings normally occupied by bombs, when the range at cruising speed may be extended to about 1,450 miles.
   It is regretted that no performance figures can be published, the Fairey Aviation Company having made it a rule not to do so.
   The second complete Fairey III F to be exhibited will be a two-seater General Purpose type, fitted with an Armstrong Siddeley “Jaguar VI" engine. Apart from the fact that it will be shown as a land plane, and will, as a General Purpose machine, carry somewhat different equipment, such as a spare wheel, desert equipment, etc., this machine is very similar to the seaplane just described, the notes on which will therefore, in the main, serve to describe this type also. The undercarriage is, of course, different, and a few notes dealing with this may be of interest. Of plain Vee-type, with cross axle, the undercarriage of the Fairey III F General Purpose machine makes use of rubber blocks in compression for absorbing the landing shocks, while an oleo damper gear checks bouncing. The rubber blocks are arranged in two columns, one in front of the other, so that the whole leg can be enclosed in a neat streamline fairing. A feature of the oleo damping gear is that an adjustment is provided whereby the amount of damping can be varied to suit local conditions.
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Fairey IIIF Mk.I S1182 was fitted initially with a more angular fin. It joined 443 Flight on HMS 'Furious' in late 1927, transferring to 207 Squadron at Eastchurch, in January 1928. It changed unit, but not base in April 1929 when it transferred to the Coast Defence Co-operation Flight. It moved to Hamble, Hampshire, in November 1929 for conversion by Fairey to Mk.III status. By September 1920 it was with 446 Flight on HMS 'Courageous'; by February 1934 with 820 Squadron at Gosport, Hampshire, and finally with 822 Squadron on HMS 'Furious' by November 1934. It crashed on 'Furious'; on March 3, 1936 when its arrester hook failed and was written off.
Delivered in 1926, S1147 was converted to a two-seat general purpose (GP) machine. It was serving with A&AEE by April 1927 and then moved to Andover, Hampshire, for trials with 12 Squadron in mid-1927. In 1928 it carried out deck-landing tests on HMS 'Furious' and moved to the RAE in May that year. It was back at A&AEE by March 1932.
One of the Fairey "IIIF" (Napier "Lion") bombers of the R.A.F. Cairo-Cape flight (1929), at Cape Town. This actual machine crashed on the return flight.
FAIREY III F.: General-Purpose two-seater, with Napier "Lion" Engine.
The Fairey IIIF General Purpose Machine, Napier "Lion" engine.
SPEED AND MANOEUVRABILITY: These views of the Fairey IIIF in flight, piloted by Capt. Norman Macmillan, give some idea of the way this machine can be "thrown about." The Cairo-Cape-Cairo flight was carried out by four machines of this type.
A FLIGHT OF FAIREY IIIF AEROPLANES: Note that the leading machine has its flaps down, and that as a result the fuselage is at a small negative angle.
THE R.A.F. DISPLAY FOR A SULTAN: On October 11 the R.A.F. gave a Display at Hendon in honour of the Sultan of Muscat. Three Fairey Day Bombers, of No. 207, "Fly Past."
THE FAIREY IIIF MACHINE WITH NAPIER "LION" ENGINE: The R.A.F. Flight from Cairo to the Cape and back, which has just been successfully concluded, was carried out on machines of this type. The IIIF has quite a resemblance to the Fairey "Fox."
THE SERVICE AFRICAN FLIGHT: The four Fairey III.F biplanes, fitted with Napier "Lion" engines, on which the R.A.F. flight from Cairo to Cape Town and back is being carried out under the command of Air-Commodore Samson, C.M.G., D.S.O., A.F.C. Our picture shows the machines starting from Heliopolis on March 30. They reached the Cape on April 21, and are scheduled to start the return journey on May 9, arriving back at Cairo on May 22.
Three Fairey IIIFs of No 47 Sqn at Kassaia, Sudan. The “SR” serials signify that the original wooden airframes had been rebuilt with metal parts, more suitable for the tropical climate.
Carrying just its constructor's number, F890, on the rear fuselage, the second prototype all-metal Fairey IIIF N225 first flew on March 2, 1927 with an experimental fin and rudder.
Fairey III F general purpose machine. (Napier Lion engine.)
Fairey IIIF Mk.IVC(GP) J9061 was modified for VIP use and joined 24 Squadron at Northolt, London, in May 1928. It force-landed in Yorkshire in May 1931 and was struck off charge.
A visit to Abu Suier by a batch of aircraft from a Fleet Air Arm carrier. In the foreground is Fairey IIIF Mk III S1356, powered by the trusty Napier Lion (note the windsock on the rudder). The other five aircraft are Blackburn Ripon IIC torpedo bomber/reconnaissance aircraft, also Lion-powered.
A catapult-capable Mk.IIIB(DC) dual-control trainer, S1847 was first issued to 'C' Flight at the RAF Training Base, Leuchars. The unit was later renamed 1 Flying Training School. By April 1, 1935 it was in use on the catapult installed at Leuchars. On August 6, 1937, S1847 was hit by 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron Hawker Hart K3017 during a landing accident at Leuchars on August 6, 1937. Deemed beyond economical repair, S1847 was scrapped while K3017 survived to serve another day.
Fairey IIIF Mk.IVC/M J9164 joined A&AEE in November 1928 for performance assessment of wing slots (illustrated). From February 1929 it undertook more trials with 22 Squadron, which shared Martlesham Heath with A&AEE.
Fitted with metal wings in September 1929, J9164 rejoined A&AEE that October and was given long-range tanks (illustrated) for endurance trials. It was despatched to Sealand, Wales, for packing and shipping to Aboukir, Egypt. It went on to serve with 45 Squadron at Helwan, Egypt, from December 1931 and 47 Squadron at Khartoum, Sudan, front May 1933 to April 1934. It was struck off charge in 1936.
Built as a Mk.IVM J9174 was fitted with a Rolls-Royce F.XIIA (Kestrel to be) and first flew on December 5, 1928, becoming a IIIF (Special). It was issued to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough, Hampshire, on January 4, 1929. Later it was re-engined with a F.XIIS and it appeared at the RAF Pageant at Hendon, London, in June 1933. It was retired in early 1936, becoming a catapult loading instructional airframe at RAE.
Keeping the Victorias of No 216 Sqn company during the 1934 East African tour were four Fairey IIIFs of No 45 Sqn, based at Helwan near Cairo. The IIIF was powered by a Napier Lion engine, and it was presumably for the Faireys that a spare Lion engine was carried beneath the starboard wing of No 2 Victoria for part of the 1934 tour.
VERSATILITY: The Fairey IIIF, of which this is an aerial photograph, is produced as a General Purpose aircraft, as a Bomber, as a Fleet Reconnaissance three-seater, and as a seaplane. Moreover, it has been fitted successfully with a variety of engines, water-cooled and air-cooled. This particular one has a Napier "Lion."
THE FAIREY III F.: In addition to its use as a Day Bomber, the III F. is produced as a General Purpose aircraft, and as a twin-float seaplane with many functions. The engine is a Napier "Lion."
Фирма "Fairey" строила модель IIIF из различных материалов. Обозначение "M" у Fairey IIIF Mk IIIM означало цельнометаллическую конструкцию.
24 Sqn Fairey IIIF K1115.
S1189 was built as a IIIF Mk.I but was rebuilt to feature the rounded fin. It was with 446 Flight at Leuchars, Scotland, by November 1927 and despatched to HMS 'Courageous'; transferring to 443 Flight on HMS 'Furious' by March 1929, wearing the code '36'. Conversion to Mk.III followed and S1189 was back on 'Furious' still as '36', but this time with 445 Flight, then 821 Squadron. Final service use came with the School of Naval Co-operation at Lee-on-Solent before it was presented to the Royal Hellenic Navy in mid-1936.
DAWN OF ADVENTURE: A striking impression captured by the camera as the sun broke through at Mildenhall. The machine is F.O. Davies's and Lt. Com. Hills' Fairey III F.
The Fairey III F's (Napier "Lion") of No. 45 (Bomber) Squadron flying over the Pyramids while rehearsing for the Middle East Display.
AT HENDON: This is view taken from a Fairey IIIF machine over Hendon of the R.A.F. machines practising during the week for the Display on June 30. Close-up view of the Fairey IIIF's taken from the starboard machine of the Flight by our photographer.
Rehearsing for the R.A.F. Display: Struts interfere somewhat with the view, but nevertheless quite a number of Fairey III F's may be seen flying over the Welsh Harp, with a Hawker "Horsley" looking very small in the background.
AT HENDON: This is view taken from a Fairey IIIF machine over Hendon of the R.A.F. machines practising during the week for the Display on June 30. Fairey IIIF's are in the foreground and Flights of Hawker "Horsleys" in the distance.
Rehearsing for the R.A.F. Display: This photograph shows several Fairey III F. machines making a turn in formation.
THE R.A.F. DISPLAY FOR A SULTAN: On October 11 the R.A.F. gave a Display at Hendon in honour of the Sultan of Muscat. Our illustration shows No. 207 Bombing Squadron in close formation;
AIR FORCE DISPLAY: Fairey IIIF's at drill movements in formation. Each Squadron passed in succession from different directions performing similar drill orders
54 Machines flying past: Three Fighter Squadrons on Siskins, one Bomber Squadron on Foxes, and two Bomber Squadrons on III F's.
EVOLUTION BY THREE DAY BOMBER SQUADRONS: Fairey Foxes in the lead, two Fairey III squadrons on the wings. The Foxes kept the better formation.
Blue Siskins intercept a raid on Andover by Fairey III F.'s, but the bomb signal (the puff of smoke on the right of the picture) has been dropped.
BIG GAME HUNTING FROM THE AIR. HERE WE SEE THE HUNTER, IN A FAIREY IIIF, TAKING A SHOT AT THE SOFT ROE FLOPPITY - ONE OF SEVERAL FIERCE AND WEIRD MONSTERS WHICH "ESCAPED" FROM LOCAL ZOO
"THE FIRES OF FATE": R.A.F. Co-operation has been secured by British International Pictures, Ltd., for a film they are making in Egypt with the above title. This photograph shows a Fairey III F. flying over a detachment of the Camel Corps.
A FORMATION OF AIRCRAFT TYPES USED FOR INSTRUCTION AT THE CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL: From left to right, Gamecock, Atlas, Moth, III.F, Avro-Lynx, Siskin and Bulldog.
A MIXED GRILL: A formation of seven different types over Wittering, viz., "Gamecock," "Atlas," "Moth," "Fairey III F," "Avro-Lynx," "Siskin," and "Bulldog."
ROYAL TRANSPORT: The Wapiti used by Prince George is on the right with the escort machines lined up alongside.
The Fairey, Breguet and Letov-Smolik at Tatoi Aerodrome, Athens.
The extensive adaptability of the Fairey III.F. aircraft is already well-known. The photograph, however, shows this adaptability extended to a still further degree, by the variety of engines that can be installed, each III.F. aircraft being fitted with a different type of engine, namely, Napier "Lion" XI, Rolls-Royce "F" type, Bristol "Jupiter" VIII, and the Lorraine 12 Ed. The general utility and high efficiency of the Fairey III.F. is already confirmed by the large numbers in use with the Royal Air Force at home and overseas, and with the Air Forces of the Dominions, and of Foreign Governments.
ADAPTABILITY! This picture of four Fairey III.F biplanes is an interesting "study in noses," and also illustrates the adaptability of this machine as regards power plant. Each machine is fitted with a different engine, viz. :- (From left to right) Lorraine Type Ed. 12; Bristol "Jupiter," Series VIII; Napier "Lion XIA"; and Rolls-Royce F.XI.
SCALE EFFECT! Two views of the Fairey III F (Napier "Lion"), one being of a scale model, and the other being of one of the actual machines recently supplied to the Irish Free State Air Force. Which is which, we leave to our readers to guess. (N.B. - No prize given.)
Fairey III F with Armstrong-Siddeley Panther engine.
AIRCRAFT TYPES TO BE SEEN IN THE "EAGLE": 5, The Fairey III F, with Armstrong Siddeley "Panther" engine.
FAIREY III F GENERAL PURPOSE (A.S. "Jaguar")
ELSEWHERE in this issue we refer to the activities of the Air Survey Company and mention that the second Fairey III F. machine, which has been specially built with a Jaguar VI.C. engine, would shortly be ready. This aircraft was recently demonstrated at Northolt and our photographer has caught Mr. C. R. McMullin showing the sort of speed which makes aircraft for commercial use a paying proposition. The Jaguar engine has been very neatly cowled, and in this case certainly does not spoil the proverbially good lines of the III.F.
A 1930 photograph of Ronald Kemp (furthest right) beside a Fairey IIIF of the Air Survey Company he established with Frederick Raynham in 1924. Alongside Kemp are two directors of the company: Sqn Ldr Maurice Wright (centre) and Mr A.G. HazelI.
ON this page we show how the Eagle Camera has been arranged in the III F.'s supplied by the Fairey Aviation Co. to the Air Survey Co. for their work in the Sudan. G-AATT, the second of these machines to be taken over, is being flown out to the Sudan by Mr. R. C. Kemp with a mechanic, Mr. A. Calder, as his passenger. Mr. Kemp is, of course, the man to whom the Air Survey Co. owes its being, and he is seen here on the right, with Sqdn.-Ldr. Maurice Wright and Mr. A. G. Hazell, who are now also directors of the company. Mr. Kemp left Croydon at 8-30 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, and arrived at Lyon at 2.30 P.m. the same day.
SIR GEOFFREY SALMOND: Beside the Fairey III.F in which he flew from Northolt.
OUR FIRST PRIME MINISTER TO FLY: Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, Prime Minister of the new Government, thanking his pilot on landing at Hendon on June 20 after flying from Lossiemouth in the R.A.F. Fairey IIIF, a distance of 500 miles. He is seen being received by Wing-Commander W. J. Y. Guilfoyle, O.B.E., M.C., q.s. The pilot was Flight-Lieut. H. W. Heslop.
THE PREMIER IN GERMANY: A short time ago Mr. Ramsay MacDonald visited Berlin by air, and our photograph shows him getting into the Fairey III.F. (Lion) at Tempelhof for the return flight.
Duncan Menzies (in white overalls) beside a Fairey IIIF in Egypt, probably while he was serving with No 47 Sqn. Moving from Helwan to Khartoum in October 1927, the unit used its Fairey IIIFs to co-operate with the Sudan Defence Force in policing the desert regions of the area.
The "III F" as a land plane, being transported from Tatoi to Phaleron.
Target gliders have been successfully launched from the top centre sections of Fairey IIIF and other aircraft.
The photograph is unique, as our photographer has caught a III F just as the pilot gave the rudder a final kick to enable him to see the deck before landing. The smoke and hot air from the funnel are apt to cause bumps and bad visibility when coming up astern, and it is necessary to slew the aircraft about somewhat before putting her down in order to get a clear view of the deck.
A view taken from the bridge, of a Fairey III F just landing on the deck. Astern is the destroyer which always stands by when any flying is in progress; at the side of the deck can be seen the aerial masts now in the lowered position, and also the landing crew standing on the platforms at the side of the deck ready to jump up and hold on to the machine as soon as she comes level with them. In front of the aircraft are the white guiding lines on the deck between which it is always endeavoured to land, and thereby ensure that the best use is made of the width of the deck and also minimise the danger of going overboard or hitting the funnel.
A III F is landing.
A scene aboard HMS Glorious in 1930.
A Fairey III F landing. The landing crew are just running out to hold on to each wing tip, and thus prevent the aircraft slewing toward the ship side. This would not necessarily mean a disaster, as right on the right will be seen the wire netting pallisades which prevent a machine from actually falling into the sea should she slew round.
The series is taken from a cinema film, and are really self-explanatory. The Fairey III F can be seen approaching and finally landing.
The author makes his first deck landing, in Fairey IIIF, S1522, on Courageous.
Fairey IIIF Mk IIIB three-seat spotter reconnaisance aircraft S1486, c/n F1329, heads for the nets at a pace. The pilot is identified as "Rupert Hogan”. This view illustrates the revised, rounded fin and rudder fitted to later variants of the type. The IIIB was of all-metal construction, strengthened for catapulting and powered by a Napier Lion XIA of 570 h.p.
The illustration shows a Fairey III.F in the hold of the aircraft carrier H.M.S. "Courageous." As an indication of their wide adoption for Fleet Air Arm operation, 12 units out of a total of 18 of this branch of the Royal Air Force are equipped with Fairey aircraft.
H.M. AIRCRAFT CARRIER "EAGLE": This floating aerodrome will be the home, during the Exhibition, of Hawker "Nimrods" and "Ospreys," and Fairey III F's with "Panther" engine, in addition to its normal equipment of Blackburn "Ripons" and Fairey III F's (Napier).
THE HORNET'S NEST: AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER "COURAGEOUS." THE MACHINES RANGED ON THE FLYING DECK INCLUDE FAIREY "FLYCATCHERS" AND IIIF'S. NOTE THAT BOTH LIFTS ARE DOWN, PRESUMABLY TO FETCH MORE AIRCRAFT.
H.M.S. Furious: The Fairey "3 F" machines of No. 822 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron ready to take off from the deck of the carrier. Note the smoke issuing from below the flying deck.
Three Fairey III F's and three Fairey Flycatchers lined up on the top flying deck. Here again one can get a good idea of the size of this deck, and can see that the landing and taking-off space available is considerably larger than many of the landing fields used by some of our joyriding firms who operate without a constant wind speed over their fields such as can be provided here at will.
A view of a congested aft deck, with Blackburn Darts, Fairey IIIFs and, in the foreground, a Blackburn Blackburn Mk I in evidence. The unsightly Blackburn was designed for reconnaissance and gunnery fire control, and proved very successful in this role. The engine was a 450 h.p. Napier Lion IIB.
NOT A STRANGE STREET PROCESSION, as a first glance suggests, but a Royal Marines band playing during inspection on the aircraft carrier Furious. The machines are Fairey III Fs.
THE "ISLAND" ABEAM: A Fairey IIIF taking off from the deck of H.M.S. "Glorious".
We are looking forward at a Fairey III F which is just taking off away from us. This view shows very clearly that, although the III F has a comparatively large span, she still has plenty of room when abreast the funnel or island, as it is called in this craft.
Fairey IIIF S1845 about to be launched from the Leuchars catapult.
The catapult with which experiments are being carried out by the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. It will be observed from the photograph that the aircraft, a Fairey III F, is supported at four points, and has its tail skid resting in a guide rail. The compressed air is contained in cylinders mounted under the catapult structure, and the ram is in the form of a three-joint telescopic tube.
The III F at the moment of leaving the catapult.
Crowds at the Leuchars, Fife Empire Air Day in May 1936 watch as a No 1 Training School Fairey IIIF is launched from its catapult
Floats
Our photograph shows the Fairey IIIF Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance aircraft (Napier "Lion") run back on the catapult and being prepared for flight.
The aircraft is just leaving the trolley, which, it can be seen, has reached the extended forward portion of the catapult, at which point it is decelerated by the liquid-controlled recoil ram.
A rear view, showing the IIIF in the stowed position ready for sea; the special jury struts from the floats to the wings and between the ailerons and flaps should be noted; these are fitted to prevent racking stresses when at sea.
CATAPULT LAUNCHING OF AIRCRAFT: This photograph of a Fairey III F seaplane being catapulted off is reproduced by courtesy of the Admiralty.
Fairey IIIF Mk IIIM S1316 being launched from a Mactaggart Scott catapult in 1931.
A view looking aft, at the IIIF on the port catapult, and it shows another cruiser, H.M.S. Norfolk, Capt. J. F. Somerville, R.N., also of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, keeping station astern.
The aircraft is not intentionally being maltreated, but merely being hooked on to the crane preparatory to being hoisted on board again; the slings are secured either side of the top centre section.
The first Fairey IIIF seaplane at Khartoum in 1929. The four pictures show the IIIF J9153 being transported to Moghram Wharf; having its floats fitted; ready for launching by crane and being lowered into the Blue Nile from the quay.
J9153 settled on the water at Khartoum.
Fairey IIIF J9066 being lowered into the water at Ma’ala Wharf, Aden, in 1929.
Drogue-towing Fairey IIIF near the Gun Wharf, Gibraltar. During target towing exercises the airspeed rarely exceeded 80 m.p.h.
Another School of Naval Cooperation Fairey IIIF Mk IIIB being launched at Calshot, February 1933.
Fairey IIIF Mk IIIB, S1521, of the School of Naval Co-operation being launched. Note absence of spinner.
Fairey IIIF S1373 of No 202 Sqn being started up at Calafrana, Malta.
Drogue-towing Fairey IIIF on the Gun Wharf, Gibraltar. During target towing exercises the airspeed rarely exceeded 80 m.p.h.
Fairey IIIF S1839 seen at the RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario, date unknown though it was in Canada to appear at the Canadian National Exhibition held at Toronto.
Fairey IIIF Mk III, S1795, of the School of Naval Co-operation, taking off from Lee-on-Solent in February 1933.
FAIREY III F SEAPLANE (Napier "Lion").
A FAIREY IN CANADA: One of the Fairey III F seaplanes, fitted with a Series XI Napier "Lion" employed by the Royal Canadian Air Force at Vancouver. The machine is seen taking off at Jericho Beach.
The Fairey III F Seaplane, Napier "Lion" engine.
Fairey IIIF Mk III S1306, equipped for drogue towing, flying off Gibraltar.
Fairey IIIF, S1306, reeling out its drogue which will trail three-quarters of a mile behind.
Fairey IIIF J9153, with floats, and Mk.IV IIIF SI 173 of No 47 Sqn from Khartoum.
MEDITERRANEAN MEDLEY. Two Supermarine Seagull Vs, three Fairey III Fs, and four Hawker Ospreys, all catapulted from ships of the Mediterranean Fleet, in the act of assuming a line abreast formation over Alexandria. The official name of the Seagull V, when used by the Fleet Air Arm, is Walrus; the original title for it is retained by Australia.
Fairey IIIF Mk 111, S1831, being manhandled, probably at Lee-on-Solent.
Fairey IIIF Mk IIIB S1525 of 202 Sqn pictured at Kalafrana, Malta in the early Thirties. No 202 Squadron received its IIIFs in July 1930, retaining them until August 1935. The chap being carried ashore may be 202 Squadron's CO, Sqn Ldr Archie Wann
Fairey IIIF SR1199 moored on the left-hand bank of the Blue Nile.
The Fairey "III F" at Phaleron Bay;
Fairey IIIF.
Three views of the Napier Lion-powered Fairey IIIF Mk IIIM S1336. A total of 114 all-metal Mk IIIMs was built.
Second prototype all-metal IIIF Mk.III N225 was fitted with floats and first flew in this guise (with conventional fin and rudder) on March 5, 1928. It was issued to the MAEE and was still at Felixstowe in June 1930.
A MODERN FAIREY SEAPLANE: Two views of the Fairey III F. seaplane, fitted with a Napier "Lion" engine. This machine is the marine version of the III F. land 'plane type, which was employed on the Cairo-Cape-Cairo Flight this year
A FAIREY SEAPLANE: Two views of the Fairey III F (Lorraine engine) fitted with float undercarriage carrying out tests at Hamble.
The illustration shows a Fairey III F. - one of a series of machines supplied to the Argentine Navy by the Fairey Aviation Co., Ltd. They were all, of course, doped with Cellon.
One of the Fairey III.F. (Lorraine engine) aircraft recently supplied to the Argentine Navy undergoing test at our Hamble Works near Southampton.
Fairey IIIF IIIM 'AP-3' of Argentina's Aviacion Naval undergoing pre-delivery sea trials on the Hamble River, November 1928.
FROM ARGENTINA: It will be remembered that the Fairey Aviation Co., Ltd., built a batch of Fairey III.F. seaplanes for the Argentine Navy a little while back. This photos, recently received from Argentina, show one of these machines operating from one of the Argentine Navy air bases.
Fairey IIIF's 'AP-1' and 'AP-2' on the Rio Limay, Provincia de Rio Negro, possibly in January 1930.
Fairey IIIF 'AP-2' is hoisted aboard the battleship ARA 'Rivadavia' during trials at Base Naval Puerto Belgrano on October 2, 1929.
Fairey IIIF 'AP-2' neatly stowed aboard ARA 'Rivadavia'.
Fairey IIIF 'R-53', to the right, with its recently-installed Panther VI engine, and identically-powered Fairey Seal 'R-54' at Lago Nahuel Huapi.
Built as a Mk.IVC/M, J9150 was re-engined with a Jupiter VIII and first flew in this guise on July 2,1928, as a landplane. It was issued to the A&AEE and fitted with floats in December 1928. At different periods it flew with a two-bladed and four-bladed (illustrated) propeller with the MAEE from October 1929 to April 1931.
Pilot Charles McMullin in Fairey IIIF seaplane G-AABY, Greece, 1930.
British Enterprise Abroad: This Fairey IIIF (type F.A.A.) was recently flown (as a land machine) to Greece by C. R. Mc Mullin, and was then converted into a seaplane. In both forms it favourably impressed the Greek authorities who made a thorough inspection of the machine. It is seen just outside the island of Hydra, with the summer Palace of the Greek President in the background.
Note the fully-lowered radiator.
The IIIF afloat in Phaleron Bay. McMullin is seen in company with Greek naval personnel on the left.
Dismantling the tailplane of G-AABY on the Tatoi-Athens road. McMullin is the white-shirted figure in the centre.
In an Athens street, en route to Phaleron Bay. Note the lorry's solid-tyred wheels.
How the assembled mainplanes made the 20-mile trip to Phaleron Bay.
This is a Vokes silencer on a Kestrel-engined Fairey IIIF which was used for silencing research. The by-passing arrangement to the normal exhaust pipe is visible.
 
SILENCING of aero engines is receiving a great deal of attention at the present time. In Flight for September 27, 1934, tests with the Vokes silencer were described. Here is a photograph of one of the same make fitted to a "Fairey III.F."