 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
FAIREY FIREFLY II (BIPLANE) |
.jpg) |
FAIREY FIREFLY II (BIPLANE) - The Fairey Firefly single-seat fighting biplane was designed by Marcel Lobelle in 1924, in the first place around the Curtiss D-12 engine. First flown on November 9, 1925, the Fairey Firefly was tested, but never adopted, by the RAF. Total of 87 Fairey Firefly IIM, with 480 hp Rolls-Royce F.XIS engines, metal construction and armed with two Vickers (later, FN) 0.303-in (7.7-mm) machine guns, acquired by Aeronautique Militaire Beige, 1931-33, of which 62 built by Avions Fairey at Gosselies. About 30 still serving 1940, some as advanced trainers and others equipping two escadrilles of He Groupe de Chasse. Briefly operational in May 1940 over Belgium and 14 then evacuated to France, flying in defence of Chartres area until June 16. |
Max speed, 175 mph (292 km/h) at sea level and 223 mph (359 km/h) at 13,120 ft (4,000 m). Time to 19,685 ft (6,000 m), 10 min 55 sec. Ceiling, 30,840 ft (9,400 m). Empty weight, 2,387 Ib (1,083 kg). Gross weight, 3,285 Ib (1,490 kg). Span, 31ft 6 in (9.6 m). Length, 24ft 8 in (7.52 m). |
 |