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FAIREY BARRACUDA


A Barracuda Mk II carrying an 18-inch (46 cm) aerial torpedo.
The ASV radar "Yagi" antennae are visible above the wings.


Type: Torpedo/Dive bomber
Origin: Fairey Aviation
Models: Barracuda Mk. I-V
Crew: 3
First Flight: Dec. 7, 1940
Service Delivery: 1943
Production Termination: 1945
Number Produced: 2,607

POWERPLANT:
  Model: Merlin 32
  Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce
  Type: liquid-cooled V12
  Number: One    Horsepower: 1,640 hp

Dimensions:
Wing span: 49 ft 2 in (14.99m)
Length: 39 ft 9 in (12.12m)
Height: 15 ft 2 in (4.62 m)
Wing Surface Area: 405 ft² (37.62 m²)
Weights:
Empty: 9,350 lb (4,250 kg)
Loaded: 13,200 lb (6,000 kg)
Max. Loaded: 14,100 lb (6,409 kg)

Performance:
Maximum Speed: 228 mph (367 kph)
Cruising Speed: 195 mph (314 kph)
Climb to 5,000 ft (1,524m): 6 min
Service Ceiling: 16,600 ft (5,080 m)
Wing loading: 32.6 lb/ft² (159 kg/m²)
Range*: 686 mi (1,104 km)
*with 1,620 lb (736 kg) torpedo

Armament:
2 x.303 Vickers K guns in rear cockpit.

Payload:
1 x 1,620 lb (735 kg) aerial torpedo or
4 x 450 lb (205 kg) depth charges or
6 x 250 lb (110 kg) bombs

The Fairey Barracuda was a British carrier-borne torpedo- and dive bomber used during the Second World War, the first of its type to be fabricated entirely from metal. It was introduced to the Fleet Air Arm as a replacement for the Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Albacore biplanes. It is notable for its role in attacking the German battleship Tirpitz and known for its unusual appearance when the undercarriage was extended and wings folded.



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