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I do agree that at least they were carrier designs compared to that Tempest so they
do have that above it. I also agree I would prefer to keep the yankee leand lease
machines away but deciding between yankee and post war I would choose the
yankees as they were in much more use in the war than any you mention and
actually we started to use the Corsair prior them also I believe. I do not say that I
would prefer yankees over british much so take that to heart. ;D
I must admit I am not an expert upon the entire history of the Hawker Sea Fury
although I would say I know enough about the FAA. Although the date I gave was
regarding the FAA as an book upon FAA history states (and various FAA sites also
show the same) it as;
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The last piston-engined aircraft to be recieved in service was the Hawker Sea Fury, a
naval variant of the Tempest II/Fury Light Fighter. Three prototypes were
constructed, the first flying 21st February 1945. The first deck trials had been carried
out during October 1945 when this prototype operated from HMS Ocean. This
aircraft was a redesigned Fury I without folding wings. The production aircraft would
have power folding wings, the first aircraft in the service so fitted.
Futher trials on board HMS Victorious during 1946 showed the need to modify the
deck hook prior to the aircraft being recieved in service, thus delaying the first
squadron deliveries. The first production F.MkX aircraft entered service with No.778
Sqdn., the Service and Carrier Trials Unit based at RNAS Ford, during February 1947.
The first front line unit was from the RCN, No.803 Sqdn. during August 1947 to be
followed by the FAA's own No.807 Sqdn. on 29th September.
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Blackburn Skua was intended to meet the requirement to have a dive bomber that
could also act as a fighter. Was a two seater crewed by a pilot along with either a
telegraphist air gunner or observer. Was more used in the war in its secondary role
but did mount some strikes most notably those against targets in Norway by 800,
803 and 806 squadrons. Was the main aircraft in use by the fighter squadrons in the
early years backed up with some Gloster Sea Gladiators and Blackburn Rocs.
Blackburn Roc was a turret fighter based upon the Blackburn Skua.
Next in 1940 the main fighter became the Fulmar which was itself then phased out in
favour of single seaters in 1942 although it equipped many of the fighter squadrons
and used same armament as the early Spitfires and Hurricanes and accounted for
many enemy aircraft that were shot down in the war.
Firefly was another return to twin seaters like the Skua and Fulmar and saw action
in 1944 in both Europe and the Pacific and went on to serve in Korea and it was
armed with 4 x 20mm. Martlet was the British designation given to the Grumman
Wildcat.
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