FAIREY SEAL
- Derived, like the Fairey Gordon, from the Fairey IIIF, the Fairey Seal first
flew on September 11, 1930, and 91 were built for FAA service. Retired
from the latter's front-line squadrons by 1938, a dozen Fairey Seals were with
the RAF's No 10 Bombing and Gunnery School as target-tugs until mid-1940.
Four others flew with No 273 Sqn, RAF, in Ceylon until May 1942, some
as floatplanes, on coastal patrols. The three-seat Fairey Seal was powered by
a 605 hp AS Panther IIA and armed as the Gordon.
Max speed, 138 mph (222 km/h). Gross weight, 6,000 Ib (2,722 kg). Span,
45 ft 9 in (13.94 m) Length, 33 ft 8 in (10.26 m).
