Subject: Re: Fairey Fulmar Article
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Oliver NTL Mail" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2007 21:43:26 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Oliver NTL Mail 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 1:57 PM
  Subject: Fairey Fulmar Article

  1:72 SMER Fairey Fulmar Mk2 

  by Oliver Weston

  --------------------

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   Hello everyone! Here is another unusual one SMER's Fairey Fulmer. This aircraft remains one of the unsung heroes of WW2 providing the British Navy with an important fighter in the crucial early years of the war. Often overlooked because of its flaws it still remains an important part of the UK's rich (and proud) Naval Aviation history, and warrants a mention on this forum.

    The Fairey Fulmar was designed to meet the Admiralty's urgent need for a modern shipboard fighter/reconnaissance aircraft (a development of the P.4/34 light bomber 'Battle'). The Fulmar prototype was first flown on 4 January 1940 at Ringway and served as the first production aircraft. Fairey's Fulmar was the Fleet Air Arm's first carrier-based fighter with roughly the same weight and firepower of the RAF's Hurricane. In fact, the Fulmar was developed for the FAA after being rejected by the RAF.  The Fulmar was inferior to modern single-seat fighters, but it was a reliable, sturdy aircraft with a long range. 

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  Many hundreds of Fairey Fulmar fighters fought over the sea in every wartime theatre. The Fulmar played important roles in the early defence of Malta and the defence of Ceylon, and went on to account for nearly 1/3 of the aircraft shot down by the FAA in WWII. Significant numbers of enemy aircraft were shot down in the Mediterranean Campaigns especially from HMS Eagle, Formidable and Illustrious, most notably on Operation Pedestal. Fulmar's were also used in Operations in the Arctic, most notably against the German forces at Petsamo and Kirkenes in 1941.

   But with its lack of speed and power. And the Admiralty's need for a truly modern carrier-based fighter, the Fulmar began being replaced by the Supermarine Seafire by 1943. However, it continued to be useful, being sent to 768, 767 and other squadrons to assist conversion of pilots to Barracudas.  Over 600 Fulmar airframes were produced during WW2 making them widespread throughout the Fleet Air Arm, now only one remains, preserved at the FAA Museum (UK). Ironically its N1854, the first production and prototype aircraft which first flew at Ringway on 4 January 1940!

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  Phew! Now for the kit. Smashing little number this from SMER, everything went together with little fuss and not much filler. Nice bit of detail up front in the pilots chair and the transfers went on with no probs. Built almost completely out of the box, apart from scatchbuilt radio wires (fishing line) and antennas (old sprue) which finished it off nicely. Enjoyed as ever the build, very much hope you have enjoyed the article.

  Regards

  Oliver

  Click on images below to see larger images

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  Photos and text © by Oliver Weston