Nederlandse Modelbouw en Luchtvaartsite

Dutch Modelling and Aviation

Main Menu

In Memoriam

Klaas Willem Jonker
(Wilko)
† April 30, 2018

On Monday 30 April 2018, Wilko Jonker died after a long illness at the age of 58. He leaves behind a wife and two children. The Dutch military aviation and plastic modeling were his hobby and on this website he shared all the knowledge he has collected over the years. His hobby has been able to distract him from the persistent disease in his body until the last week of his life. The contacts with other hobbyists were a major support for him.

This website will be maintained by different people for as long as possible, so that other enthusiasts can continue to benefit from extensive content.

Fairey Firefly

Published: Wednesday, 10 November 2010 09:10 | Print | | Hits: 26487

History

The development of the Firefly started in the period 1939 - 1940 to meet the specifications for a naval Fighter to replace the Gloster Sea Gladiator. The prototype, Z1826 made its maiden flight on December 22, 1941.
After several test and modifications the first production aircraft were delivered in 1943. No. 1770 squadron, based at RNAS Yeovilton was the first squadron to be operational with the new Firefly.

Night fighter.

In order to fulfil the need for a night fighter March 1943 was started with the development of the NF.II , based upon the F.I. The NF.II was equipped with an AI (Airborne Interception) Mk.X radar. Because of the extra weight added, the centre of gravity changed and the fuselage had to be be enlarged with 18 inch, just after the fire wall behind the engine.

37 examples of this type were built, but due to the difficult to solve problems with the radar and the manageability of the aircraft, they were soon modified to standard F.I This decision might have been influenced by the fact that Fairey received permission to use the US ASH radar.

Fighter Reconnaissance.

The ASH radar was added to a pod, under the fuselage, this version was designated NF.I. Externally the NF.I resembled the FR.I, the fighter reconnaissance version of the F.I. This version was also equipped with radar, the AN/APS-4, also carried in a pod under the fuselage.
The front of the pod was made of fibre glass. The pod it self was slightly over pressurized to prevent the front to indent. Differences between the NF.I and the FR.I were the flame dampers, the lights of the deck hooks and the ASH indicator for the pilot. Several standard F.Is were modified to FR.I, but were designated as F.IA.

A new development of the engines led to the Mk. III, which was equipped with the Griffon Mk. 62 rated 1900 hp. The fuselage of the Mk I was used. problems with stabilizing the new aircraft could not be solved, so just one prototype was built.

Spring 1944 four Mk.I airframes were modified to Mk.IV, equipped with Griffon Mk.72. The radiator intake was replaced with more aerodynamic radiator intakes in the front of each of the wings The rounded wingtips were removed and a four blade propeller was used. These modifications showed a much better performance.
The second prototype was equipped with two wing-mounted pods, starboard pod contained the ASH-radar and the other contained a fuel tank of 55 gallons. This version was designated FR.4 May 25, 1946, the first production FR.4 made it first flight. The production version was equipped with the Griffon Mk.74.

The Mk.5 was virtually equal to the FR.4 and made its first flight on December 12, 1947. Three versions were produced, to know the NF.5 nightfighter, the FR.5 and the AS.5 the anti submarine version. The NF.5 was equipped with night-fighter equipment, such as flame dampers; the AS.5 was equipped with special equipment for sub hunting.

The Mk.6 was built in one version, AS.6 anti submarine version. Armament was deleted, and provision for depth charges and son buoys were added. Also the landing gear was enlarged.

At the end of the forties the seventh and last version of the Firefly, the Mk.7 was developed. Initially intended as an interim aircraft to be used before the Fairey Gannet entered service. The AS.7 differed very much from the AS.6
The large canopy for the radar operators and the revised tail was obvious. The engine was a Griffon Mk.59 rated 2455 hp, with made a change of the nose section necessary. The nose resembled very much the nose of the Fairey Barracuda. Because of the poor flying capabilities, poor view ahead and the delivery of TBM-3E/W Avengers, the order was cancelled, so very few AS.7s were built. The remaining airframes were modified to T.7-trainers, used for training of observers and radar operators.

Trainers

In July 1946 the trainer prototype made is first flight. It was a converted FR.1 with a cockpit added, which replaced the observers cockpit. The first production unarmed aircraft, Firefly T.1 made its maiden flight September 1946.

In 1949 the T.2 was developed as a weapon trainer and made its first flight on August 12, 1949. Few changing compared with the earlier T.1 were two wing mounted guns en provision to carry an external weapon load, such as mines, depth charges and flares.

Later a small number T.3s was built, which were all converted FR.1s. The T.3 was a trainer for anti submarine ware. All armament was removed.

Target tow.

After the war the was a need for target towing aircraft, Sweden had converted several old Mk.Is to TT.1 (TT = Target Tug).
Fairey delivered later modification sets to convert Mk.4 and Mk.5 aircraft to TT.4 and TT.5 respectively. This set contained a air-screw driven ML Type G winch in a pod, to be carried under the fuselage. The guns were removed and a control mechanism was added to the cockpit.

Target aircraft.

In the fifties there was a need for target planes so several withdrawn Fireflies were modified to U-marks (U=Unmanned), a remote controlled, unmanned aircraft. Several Mk.7s were converted to U.8 and several Mk.5s to U.9. The armament was removed and equipment for remote control was added.

 

Technical information Firefly MK.I
Dimensions:
Length: 11,25 m Wingspan: 13,56 m
Height: 4,47 m Wing area: 30,5 m2
Weights:
Empty Weight: 4048 kg Max. start weight: 6025 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 513 km/hr Climbing speed: - m/min
Cruising speed: 320 km/hr    
Range: 1750 km Service ceiling: - m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: One Rolls Royce Griffon 74 rated 2250 hp
Crew: Two men
Armament: Four 20 mm Hispano-Suiza HS 404 wing mounted guns

 

Technical information Firefly MK.IV
Dimensions:
Length: 11,54 m Wingspan: 12,54 m
Height: 4,36 m Wing area: 30,25 m2
Weights:
Empty Weight: 4388 kg Max. start weight: 7301 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 621 km/hr Climbing speed: - m/min
Cruising speed: 354 km/hr    
Range: 2090 km Service ceiling:  - m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: One Rolls Royce Griffon 74 rated 2250 hp
Crew: Two men
Armament: Four 20 mm Hispano-Suiza HS 404 wing mounted guns, Two 450 kg bomb; 8 pair rockets.

 


Fairey Firefly Mk.I, Fairey Firefly FR Mk.IV and NF Mk.V and Fairey Firefly T.Mk.1/T.Mk.2, in service with RNlNAS.

Fairey Firefly Mk. I

During the fall of 1945 two orders of fifteen aircraft each were signed. The first twenty aircraft were F.Mk.1 serialled F-1 till F-20; the remaining ten aircraft were FR.Mk.1 serialled F-21 till F-30.
The first six examples were handed over to the Dutch Navy January 18, 1946. These aircraft were assigned to 860 squadron. March 20, 1946 the first Dutch aircraft carrier 'Karel Doorman' entered service. 860 squadron was based on this ship. The flight deck was just 150 meters long and caused problems with start and landing.
August 26, 1946 the 'Doorman' left for the Dutch East Indies because of the situation there. Squadron 860 was embarked with Fireflies F-17 till F-30. The Fireflies were used for air to ground support. Several Fireflies were lost in action, such as F-22, F-24 and F-27.

During 1948 the aircraft were re-serialled, were code letter F was changed in code K. (on 25-08-1947 in the Netherlands and 26-01-1949 in Dutch East Indies). The letters were not applied as such on the aircraft, but the “6” and “11” ( F is the 6th and 11nd letter in the alphabet). The K-Serial was changed again in January 1950 in code letter P.
March 1950 860 squadron was temporarily with drawn from service. The remaining Fireflies went for a complete overhaul to the Netherlands.
In September 1946 861 squadron was established and equipped with Fireflies. It was based on naval air station Valkenburg and was dismissed in April 1947. The Fireflies went to GVO (Groep Vlieg Opleiding = Group Flight Training) and to OGV (Opleiding Gevechts Vlieger = Training Fighter Pilots).

Firefly MK I

Fairey Firefly Mk.I of squadron 860. still with British markings.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I .
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk. I aboard HMS Karel Doorman (ex-HMS Nairana, 1946-1948).
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Public watching a Fairey Firefly Mk.I at Perak, NEI, 1946
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I aboard HMS Karel Doorman (ex-HMS Nairana, 1946-1948)..
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I of squadron 860, stil with British markings aboard HMS Karel Doorman (ex-HMS Nairana, 1946-1948).
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I . Note the mountings for rockets under the wings an the mountings for the ASV radar under the fuselage.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I serial 11-6.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I serial K-20at naval air station Morokrembangan.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I serials 19, 20 and 28 flying in formation above NEI.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I serial K-19 flying over the eastern part of Java.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I flying over NEI, firing rockets.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I serial F-5, in service from January 18, 1946 till December 21, 1948. Modified to trainer T.Mk. I and used as such till September 22, 1959 and scrapped in the Netherlands.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Personnel of squadron 5 in front of Fairey Firefly serial P.25 at the end of the fifties.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.I (at naval aior station Hato.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 

Fairey Firefly T.Mk.1 and T.Mk.2 trainer.

In June 1948 the second (and larger) 'Karel Doorman' entered Dutch service and a start with training for deck landings was made with three Firefly T.1's (converted Mk.I's).
After a display at the end of 1946 with a Fairey converted Firefly it was decided to modify the Mk.1's to T.1. The first one, F-1 was converted at the Fairey Factories, the other two, F.8 and F.12 were converted at Aviolanda using parts delivered by Fairey. The T.1's were serialled L-11 (ex F-1); L-12 (ex-F-12) and L-13 (ex F-8). Later four T.2 were built by Aviolanda, to know F-4, (became U-14) and F-5 (became U-15), both delivered in 1949. In 1951 Fireflies F-23 and F-29 were modified and delivered in July1952 as U-16 and U-17. The two remaining T.1's, L-11 and L-12, were re-serialled U-11 and U-12. The L-13 crashed on November 8, 1948. (as noted above, the “L” serial was applied as “12” on the aircraft; “U” was applied as “21”).
Early 1951 the "Doorman" departed with Squadron 1, with Fireflies P-6; P-17; P-25; P-26 P-30 and trainers U-11; U-12 and U-14 and P-7, P-11, P-28 an U-15 as spare
The main task of squadron 1 was besides air defence also training with marines and ships. During 1954 the Mk.1's were replaced with Firefly Mk.4's

Fireflies P-6 and P-30 were lost because of a collision on October 14, 1952.
Trainers U-16 and U-17 stayed at Valkenburg for advanced carrier training and target tow duties.
During 1959 U-12 and U-17 sere re-serialled as 003 and 004 respectively, in March 1960 both aircraft were scrapped.

Firefly Trainers

Advanced trainer Fairey Firefly T.1
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Formation Firefly Mk.IV and, at the right a Firelfy T.Mk.1.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Advanced trainer Fairey Firefly T.1.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly T.Mk.1 L-11 (1948-1959) Advanced trainer.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly trainer T.Mk. I nr 21-16 of VSQ-5 after a crash op November 25, 1953
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly T.Mk 1 Advanced trainer, serial 12.11, entered service on February 9, 1948, scrapped on September 22, 1959.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Crash of Fairey Firefly T.Mk. 1/2, serial 12-11 on September 22, 1959
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly T.1 L-11 advanced trainer at air station "HATO" Curaçao.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 

Fairey Firefly FR Mk.IV and NF Mk.V

During 1947 the RNlNAS received 40 Fireflies FR.4's, serialled K-31 till K-70 11-31 t/m 11-70). These aircraft were added to squadron 1, 2 and squadron 4. Early 1949 the RNlNAS received another fourteen Fireflies NF.5 serialled K-71 till K-84 (11-71 till 11-84) and in November 1952 four ex Canadian Navy FR.4's were added serialled P-86 till P-89 (16-86 till 16-89).
Squadron 2 and 4 participated frequently in NATO exercises, operating from the Dutch carrier of often also from British carries. During 1954 the Fireflies were replaced with Avenger at squadron 2 and 4.
In 1955 squadron 7 was established to be based at Biak, Dutch New-Guinea.

In 1959 the Fireflies were re-serialled, The remaining Fireflies received serials 005 till 017 with letter “B” of Biak. When 322 squadron RNlNAF arrived with their Hawker Hunters, squadron 7 was withdrawn in December 1961 and the Fireflies were withdrawn from use.

 

D1992066

Fairey Firefly NF.V of the Royal Naval Historical Flight, photgraphed at the Airshow "MLD 75 jaar" (75 years RNlNAS), June 1992 at Naval air station Valkenburg.

 

D1992071

Fairey Firefly NF.V of the Royal Naval Historical Flight, photographed at the Airshow "MLD 75 jaar" (75 years RNlNAS), June 1992 at Naval air station Valkenburg.

 

Fairey Firefly MK.IV (1946-1961), serial K-30 (F-30, P-30)
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk. IV aboard Hr.Ms. Karel Doorman (1948-1968)
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P 46 , K 46 
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV K-56
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV K-46 entered service on August 22, 1947, scrapped on February 6, 1959 at naval air station Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV K-59 entered service on October 2, 1947; on October 26, 1961 as monument at naval air station Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P-65 at Hato
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P 46 , K 46 at Eelde air show, spring 1948.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly MK.IV nr. K-34 (P-34) during the Pentecost air show at airfield Eelde, Groningen
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 

Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P 44, (1947-1959)
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P 48 , K 48 
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV 'P-57' at naval air station Valkenburg in 1954
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P 46 (1947-1959)
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV (1946-1961), naval air station Biak, 1961-12-06
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly MK.IV nr. P-36 (K-36)
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P 44, (1947-1959)
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P-65 (1947-1953), flying over Curaçao
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV P-60 (1947-1953), a/b HMS Illustrious
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, K 45
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
De Firefly NF Mk.V 014 crashed at naval air station Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
De Firefly NF Mk.V nr 014 crashed at naval air station Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly NF.Mk.V K-72 entered service on April 26, 1949; crashed on May 11, 1951 at naval air station Biak.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly NF.Mk.V K-82.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.IV nr. 010 (K-59, P-59) at Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P 58; in maintenance aboard Hr.Ms. Karel Doorman.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly MK.IV (1946-1961), nr. P-31 (K-31) with "Delmar" target tow.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly MK.IV nr. P-37 (K-37), with "Delmar" target tow.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk IV, P 49, P 50 with winch at naval air station Valkenburg
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 

Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV with shark mouth at Biak; left rear admiral pilot Den Hollander
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk V, F 015 ,(1949-1961) with shark mouth. Squadron 7 went out of service at naval air station Biak, December 1961
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV with shark mouth at Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV with shark mouth at Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV with shark mouth at Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly MK.IV at naval air station Biak.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV with shark mout at Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk V, serial F 015,. Last flight of the comandder of no 7 squadron , G.A.M. van Wermeskerken; Just landed at naval air station Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 

Fairey Firefly Mk.IV as decoy at naval air station Biak
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
F
Fairey Firefly Mk.IV F-4 at naval air station Valkenburg
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV serial 005, ex K-33
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fairey Firefly Mk.IV nr. 005 (ex K-33, ex P-33) moved in position for aligning the guns at naval air station Biak.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 


Fairey Firefly

 

 


Serial overview of the Fairey Firefly Mk. I, Fairey Firefly FR Mk.IV, Fairey Firefly NF Mk.V and of the Fairey Firefly T.Mk.1/2

Fairey Firefly Mk. I.

Serial
Serial
 2nd Serial
2nd Serial
 3nd Serial
3nd Serial
 RAF Serial
RAF Serial
 Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
 Date in service
Date in service
 Date out of service
Date out of service
 Notes
Notes
F-1 K-1   PP458 F.6169 18-01-1946 18-06-1947 Converted L-11 mid 1947.
F-2 K-2   PP472 F.6183 18-01-1946 20-08-1946 Crashed in sea and written off.
F-3 K-3 P-3 PP473 F.6184 18-01-1946 21-06-1952 Scrapped at naval air station Valkenburg.
F-4 K-4   PP489 F.6200 18-01-1946 21-12-1948 Converted L-14 mid 1948
F-5 K-5   PP487 F.6198 18-01-1946 21-12-1948 Converted L-15 mid 1948
F-6 K-6 P-6 PP484 F.6195 18-01-1946 14-10-1952 Collision with P-30 and written off.
F-7 K-7 P-7 PP486 F.6197 13-02-1946 02-11-1953 Withdrawn from use Netherlands Antilles
F-8 K-8   PP492 F.6203 13-02-1946 27-08-1947 Converted L-13 mid 1947
F-9 K-9   PP493 F.6204 13-02-1946 01-12-1946 Reported missing north sea
F-10 F-10   PP474 F.6185 13-02-1946 05-04-1946 Crashed near Fearn and written off.
F-11 K-11 P-11 PP527 F.6213 13-02-1946 21-05-1953 Accident Netherlands Antilles
F-12 K-12   PP497 F.6146 13-02-1946 10-09-1947 Converted L-12 mid 1947
F-13     PP528 F.6214 22-02-1946 12-10-1946 Accident Dutch East Indies and written off.
F-14 K-14   PP494 F.6205 22-02-1946 20-01-1950 Accident naval air station Valkenburg and written off.
F-15 F-15   PP526 F.6212 22-02-1946 07-10-1946 Accident Apeldoorn
F-16 K-16 P-16 PP583 F.6257 17-05-1946 08-06-1954 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
F-17 K-17 P-17 PP590 F.6264 17-05-1946 28-04-1954 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
F-18 K-18   PP59I F.6265 17-05-1946 17-03-1947 Accident Dutch East Indies.
F-19 K-19 P-19 PP592 F.6266 17-05-1946 08-06-1954 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
F-20 K-20 P-20 PP593 F.6267 22-05-1946 08-06-1954 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
F-21 K-21 P-21 PP601 F.6275 18-06-1946 08-06-1954 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
F-22 K-22   PP602 F.6276 18-06-1946 21-07-1947 Shot down Dutch East Indies
F-23 K-23   PP603 F.6277 18-06-1946 15-05-1951 Mid 1951 converted to T.Mk.2, U-16.
F-24 K-24   PP606 F.6280 18-06-1946 14-05-1947 Missing Dutch East Indies.
F-26 K-25 P-25 PP607 F.6281 20-06-1946 28-04-1954 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
F-26 K-26 P-26 PP614 F.d232 20-06-1946 28-04-1954 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
F-27 F-27   PP615 F.6289 20-06-1946 04-08-1947 Shot down Dutch East Indies.
F-28 K-28 P-28 PP616 F.6290 20-06-1946 08-06-1954 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
F-29 K-29   PP619 F.6293 20-06-1946 15-05-1951 Mid 1951 Converted tot T.Mk.2, U-17.
F-30 K-30 P-30 PP623 F.6297 20-06-1946 14-10-1952 Collision with P-6 (Netherlands Antilles) and written off.

 

Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.IV.

Serial
Serial
 2nd Serial
2nd Serial
 3nd Serial
3nd Serial
 Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
 Date in service
Date in service
 Date out of service
Date out of service
 Notes
Notes
K-31 P-31   F.8227 18-04-1947 01-12-1957 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
K-32 P-32   F.8228 18-04-1947 05-09-1953 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
K-33 P-33 005 F.8229 18-04-1947 15-12-1961 Accident, scrapped.
K-34 P-34   F.8230 18-04-1947 23-05-1957 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-35 P-35   F.8231 23-04-1947 15-11-1949 Accident Netherlands Antilles and written off.
K-36 P-36   F.8232 24-04-1947 01-07-1957 Crashed in sea from Karel Doorman; Written off.
K-37 P-37   F.8233 18-04-1947 01-03-1957 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
K-38 P-38   F.8234 18-04-1947 09-12-1956 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
K-39 P-39   F.8235 18-04-1947 10-03-1953 Accident Netherlands Antilles and written off
K-40 P-40   F.8236 18-04-1947 01-03-1959 Accident in the Netherlands and written off.
K-41 P-41   F.8237 24-04-1947 22-06-1954 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-42 P-42   F.8238 18-04-1947 16-09-1958 Crashed in sea near Noordwijk and written off.
K-43 P-43   F.8239 23-04-1947 08-04-1953 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-44 P-44   F.8240 24-04-1947 01-03-1959 Accident naval air station Valkenburg and written off.
K-45 P-45   F.8241 18-04-1947 10-07-1951 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-46 P-46   F.8242 22-08-1947 06-02-1959 Crashed in sea and written off.
K-47 P-47 006 F.8243 22-08-1947 06-12-1960 Accident naval air station Biak.
K-48 P-48 007 F.8244 22-08-1947 20-11-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-49 P-49 008 F.8245 22-08-1947 17-07-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-50 P-50   F.8246 22-08-1947 09-02-1950 Accident Karel Doorman and written off.
K-51 P-51   F.8247 22-08-1947 10-11-1954 Accident Netherlands Antilles
K-52 P-52   F.8248 22-08-1947 28-04-1958 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-53 P-53   F.8249 22-08-1947 01-03-1958 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
K-54 P-54   F.8250 22-08-1947 07-06-1955 Accident Netherlands Antilles
K-55 P-55   F.8251 22-08-1947 24-02-1959 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-56 K-56   F.8252 22-08-1947 24-08-1948 Accident naval air station Valkenburg and written off.
K-57 P-57 009 F.8253 02-10-1947 15-12-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-58 P-58   F.8254 22-08-1947 14-01-1954 Accident Karwel Doorman and written off.
K-59 P-59 010 F.8255 02-10-1947 26-10-1961 Monument naval air station Biak.
K-60 P-60   F.8256 02-10-1947 25-05-1959 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-61 P-61   F.8257 26-08-1947 08-09-1953 Scrapped the Netherlands
K-62 P-62   F.8258 26-08-1947 30-03-1957 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-63 P-63   F.8259 26-08-1947 09-06-1949 Accident naval air station Valkenburg and written off.
K-64 P-64   F.8260 02-10-1947 01-06-1957 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
K-65 P-65   F.8261 02-10-1947 01-07-1957 Scrapped at Netherlands Antilles
K-66 P-66   F.8262 03-10-1947 02-10-1959 Scrapped at naval air station Biak.
K-67 P-67   F.8263 03-10-1947 21-09-1952 Accident and written off.
K-68 P-68   F.8264 03-10-1947 16-01-1959 In sea Netherlands Nieuw-Guinea and written off.
K-69 P-69   F.8265 03-10-1947 05-07-1949 Accident and written off.
K-70 P-70   F.8266 03-10-1947 22-04-1953 In sea near Noordwijk and written off.

 

Fairey Firefly NF.Mk.V.

Serial
Serial
 2nd Serial
2nd Serial
 3nd Serial
3nd Serial
 Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
 Date in service
Date in service
 Date out of service
Date out of service
 Notes
Notes
K-71 P-71   F.8389 11-03-1949 16-02-1954 In sea, Karel Doorman.
K-72 P-72 011 F.8390 26-04-1949 11-05-1961 Crashed naval air station Biak
K-73 P-73 012 F.8391 14-03-1949 11-09-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
K-74 P-74 013 F.8392 11-03-1949 21-09-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
K-75 P-75 014 F.8393 11-03-1949 15-12-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
K-76 K-76   F.8394 14-03-1949 30-08-1950 In sea near Kijkduin
K-77 P-77   F.8396 14-03-1949 13-01-1954 Emergency landing
K-78 K-78   F.8395 11-03-1949 26-09-1950 Caught fire naval air station Valkenburg
K-79 P-79 015 F.8397 14-03-1949 15-12-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
K-80 K-80   F.8398 26-04-1949 01-06-1950 Collision with K-84
K-81 K-81   F.8399 26-04-1949 12-05-1950 Accident (Haarlem)
K-82 P-82 016 F.8400 26-04-1949 26-10-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
K-83 P-83 017 F.8401 26-04-1949 28-03-1961 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
K-84 K-84   F.8402 26-04-1949 16-01-1950 Collision with K-80
P-86     F.8037 07-11-1952 01-06-1957 EX-RCAF VH139; Scrapped Netherlands Antilles (FR.Mk. IV)
P-87     F.8040 07-11-1952 21-09-1957 EX-RCAF VH141 Scrapped Netherlands Antilles (PR.Mk. IV)
P-88     F.8430 07-11-1952 02-06-1956 Ex-RCAF VX414; Scrapped the Netherlands (PR.Mk. IV/V)
P-89     F.8431 07-11-1952 02-06-1956 Ex-RCAF VX415; Scrapped the Netherlands (PR.Mk. IV/V)

 

Fairey Firefly T.Mk.1 and T. Mk.2.

Serial
Serial
 2nd Serial
2nd Serial
 3nd Serial
3nd Serial
 Date in service
Date in service
 Date out of service
Date out of service
 Notes
Notes
L-15 U-15   01-10-1949 13-09-1957 Fairey Firefly T.2 ;Ex F-5;
Converted at Aviolanda to T.Mk2
Scrapped the Netherlands.
U-16 005   06-07-1952 21-12-1956 Fairey Firefly T.2 Ex F-23;
Converted at Aviolanda to T.Mk2.
Crashed in sea and written off.
U-17 004   17-07-1952 12-03-1960 Fairey Firefly T.2 Ex F-29;
Converted at Aviolanda to T.Mk2.
Scrapped the Netherlands
L-11 U-1l   09-02-1948 22-09-1959 Fairey Firefly T.1; Ex- F-1;
Converted at England at Fairey to T.Mk1.
Scrapped the Netherlands.
L-12 U-12 003 01-09-1948 12-03-1960 Ex F-12; Converted at England at Fairey to T.Mk1.
Scrapped the Netherlands
L-13 U-13   01-09-1948 08-11-1948 Ex F-12;
Converted at Aviolanda to T.Mk1.
Written off after accident (Voorhout)
L-14 U-14   21-06-1949 17-01-1957 Ex- F-4;
Converted at Aviolanda to T.Mk1.
Crashed in sea and written off.

 


1/72nd Scale

Kits

  • Airfix
    • Firefly Mk.5: first released mid sixties. The fuselage is to narrow; especially the nose section is to small.
  • ARK Models
    • kit 72014: Fairey Firefly MK1. (ex FROG)
  • Frog
    • Firefly Mk.I this kit was first released in the early seventies. Overall a rather good kit (for its age), later re-released by Novo and recently also by Chematic, Plastyk, Smer and Modelcraft.
  • LF Models
    • Kit 7214: Fairey Firefly NF Mk2
    • Kit 7216: Fairey Firefly T1/2
  • Magna Models (all models in resin)
    • Kit 7202: an AS.7/T.7
    • kit 7231: a U.8.
    • Kit 7472: a T.1/T2 conversion.
  • Pavla
    • KitV72039: this kit contains parts for a Firefly F.Mk.I (early or late) or a FR.Mk.I - NF.I night fighter - T.Mk.I trainer - TT.I target tug version
  • Plastyk
    • kit S116: Fairey Firefly MK1. (ex FROG)
  • Special Hobby released a very nice series of the Firefly
    • Kit 7230: a Fairey Firefly Mk.I
    • kit 7231: a Fairey Firefly Mk.IV/V. (with& decals for a Dutch Firefly)
    • kit 7266: a Fairey Firefly TT Mk.4 (in fact a Mk. IV kit with resin parts for target-tow)
    • kit 7250: a Fairey Firefly Trainer
IMG 8712

A model of the Fairey Firefly Mk. I.
The kit used is the Frog kit, with the decals from the kit. I finished this kit in 2007, having started with it late eighties, but set it aside for several years.


IMG 8713

 

IMG 8698

A model of the Fairey Firefly T.Mk. I.
This models consists of the full resin fuselage of Maintrack, which is based upon the fuselage, plus a Novo kit.
I milled some holes in the fuselage for the air intake and the cockpit section. [I think it is not one of my best models, but I consider it as a practice in working with a resin kit.]

 

IMG 8699

 

Fairey Mk I Firefly AKleijn
A model of a Fairey Firefly Mk.I, built by Adri Kleijn.
Fairey FR Mk IV Firefly Haaiebek AKleijn
A model of a Fairey Firefly IV, built by Adri Kleijn.
Fairey FR Mk IV Firefly AKleijn
A model of a Fairey Firefly IV, built by Adri Kleijn.
Fairey T Mk 2 Firefly AKleijn
A model of a Fairey Firefly T.Mk.2, built by Adri Kleijn.
Fairey T Mk 2 Firefly 004 AKleijn
A model of a Fairey Firefly T.Mk.2, built by Adri Kleijn.

 

Modelling add-on

  • Airwaves
    • Set 72182: een detaillerings-set met vouwmechanisme.
    • set 72164: detailleringset voor de Airfix Firefly.
  • Falcon
    • set 1972: canopies voor verschillende vliegtuigtypen zoals Firefly.
  • Master, reality in Miniature
    • set AM-72-077: Fairey Firefly Hispano 20mm Cannon with Long fairings
    • set AM-72-078: Fairey Firefly Hispano 20mm Cannon with short fairings
    • set AM-72-076: Fairey Firefly Hispano 20mm Cannon with uncovered Barrels
  • Ontrack, Final-Touch and LF Models
    • Conversion kit: Resin fuselages to convert a (Frog/Novo) Mk.I to a T.1/T.2. [It is also possible to convert two Mk.I kits into a trainer version, both canopies are equal.]
  • Tasman
    • set 262: Fairey Firefly (Phoenix/Special Hobby)

Decals

  • DutchDecal
    • Set 72004: MLD-set with decals for several aircraft such as Firefly IV 005/B with red spinner
    • Set 72018: Firefly MkI 11-28, three colour camouflage pattern; Firefly T.Mk I 004; Firefly IV.

1/48th Scale

Kits

  • AZ Models
    • Kit 4864: Fairey Firefly TT1
  • Flightpath
    • Kit 48020: a FR.1/NF.1 kit, which contains resin and metal parts.
    • kit 48050: a Mk.4/5 kit containing resin and metal parts and decals. Contains also parts for a TT.5
  • Special Hobby
    • Kit 4841: Fairey Firefly MKIV, MKV (Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, MLD)
    • kit SH48166: Fairey Firefly U MK8 "Drone Version"
    • kit SH48130: Fairey Firefly AS MK7 "Anti Submarine"
    • kit SH48145: Fairey Firefly MK1 "Initial British Missions over Korea"
    • kit SH48136: Fairey Firefly MKIV, MKV (Korean War - FAA, RAN)
    • kit SH48151: Fairey Firefly MK1 "Foreign Post war Service"
    • kit SH48131: Fairey Firefly F/FR MK1 "Pacific Fleet"
    • kit SH48127: Fairey Firefly MK1 "Home fleet"

Modelling add-on

  • Airwaves
    • Set SC48111: Fairey Firefly MK1 (early version).
    • set AC48106: Fairey Firefly Wingfold (AZ models).
  • AZ Models
    • Set A4820: Fairey Firefly F1, FR1, NF1 Propeller set and exhaust pipes (Special Hobby)
  • Cooper Details
    • Set 4829: Fairey Firefly Long and short cannon barrels
    • set 4838: Fairey Firefly MK1 Canopy (Grand Phoenix)
    • set 4828: Fairey Firefly MK1 prop and Spinner (Grand phoenix
    • set 4826: Fairey Firefly MK1 Main Wheels (Grand Phoenix) also fits Barracuda and Typhoon
    • set 4827: Fairey Firefly MK1 Late Style Main Wheels (Grand Phoenix)
  • Falcon
    • set 1972: canopies voor verschillende vliegtuigtypen zoals Firefly.
  • Master, reality in Miniature
    • Set 48-097: Fairey Firefly Hispano 20mm Cannon with Short fairings
    • set 48-096: Fairey Firefly Hispano 20mm Cannon with Long fairings
    • set 48-095: Fairey Firefly Hispano 20mm Cannon with uncovered Barrels
  • Scale Aircraft Conversions
    • Set 48248: Fairey Firefly Landing Gear (Special Hobby)

Decals

  • --
    • Set --: --

 


Scheme Colour name FS number BS number Humbrol XtraColour Vallejo ModelColour Vallejo ModelAir Hataka
Standard #1: FAA scheme Upper surfaces Dark Slate Grey     102 X025 70.892 71.092 ~202
Extra Dark Sea Grey ~6099 BS:640 123 / 106 X-5 / X-376 70.866 71.110 ~140
Undersides Sky - BS:210 90 X004 / X130 - 71.302 ~026
 
Standard #2: post war FAA scheme Upper surfaces Extra Dark Sea Grey ~6099 BS:640 123 / 106 X-5 / X-376 70.866 71.110 ~140
Lower surface Sky - BS:210 90 X004 / X130 - 71.302 ~026
Fairey Firefly T.Mk.1/T.Mk.2
FAA scheme Overall Trainer Yellow   BS:356 154   70.953 71.078 -

Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.

Fairey Firefly Mk.I

Fairey Firefly MkI 860sq-FAA-SMALL
Colour scheme Firefly Mk.1 860 Squadron FAA.
Fairey Firefly MkI MLD-1-SMALL
First Colour scheme Firefly Mk.1 Royal Netherlands Navy.
Fairey Firefly MkI MLD-2-SMALL
Second Colour scheme Firefly Mk.1 Royal Netherlands Navy.
Fairey Firefly MkI MLD-3-SMALL
Third Colour scheme Firefly Mk.1 Royal Netherlands Navy.

 

Fairey Firefly Mk.4/5

Fairey Firefly MkIV-V-1-SMALL
First Colour scheme Firefly Mk.IV/V Royal Netherlands Navy.
Fairey Firefly MkIV-V-2-SMALL
Second Colour scheme Firefly Mk.IV/V Royal Netherlands Navy.
Fairey Firefly MkIV-V-3-SMALL
Third Colour scheme Firefly Mk.IV/V v.

 

Fairey Firefly T.Mk.1/2

Fairey Firefly T.1/2 MLD Schema 1
First Colour scheme Firefly Mk.T1/T2 Royal Netherlands Navy.
Fairey Firefly T1-T2-2-SMALL
Second Colour scheme Firefly T.1/2 Royal Netherlands Navy
Fairey Firefly T1-T2-3-SMALL
Third Colour scheme Firefly T.1/T.2 Royal Netherlands Navy.

 


Literature.

PAM News International: Improving the Fairey Firefly Mk.1 Richard Ball      
Warbirds: Firefly, a masterpiece for the matelots: Part 1 & 2        
Air International, Fairey’s final fighter Cpt Eric Brown   1979  
Aircraft in detail: Fairey Firefly Alan.W. Hall      
Scale Aircraft Modelling, The Ian Huntley Column: Fairey Firefly Mk 1 (several articles) Ian Huntley      
Inside story: Fairey Firefly F.1 (a closer look al Duxfords Firefly) Jim Howard      
Conversion topic: Fairey Firefly T.1 Peter Lockhard      
PAM News International: Fairey Firefly – from First prototype to Mk.3 Richard Ball      
The winged anchor: Accurate Firefly 5 Graham Young     FAA SIG van IPMS UK
Zestig jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst in Beeld. Hugo Hooftman Pag. 94 - 99 1977 Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
Dutch Military Aviation 1945-1978 Paul A. Jackson Pag. 66; 81 1978 Midland Countries Publications, Leicester
Nederlandse Marinevliegtuigen Thijs Postma & Nico Geldhof Pag. 47; 53 1978 Omniboek, 's Gravenhage
AviaHobby: De eerste vuurvliegen van de MLD Nico Geldhof   1980 Uitg. Wyt, Rotterdam
AviaHobby: Fairey Firefly F.R.4 en N.F.5 van de MLD Nico Geldhof   januari 1980 Uitg. Wyt, Rotterdam
Vliegen voor de Vloot 70 jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst Harm J. Hazewinkel Pag. 39 1987 Rebo Produkties, Sassenheim
70 Jaar Marine-LuchtvaartDienst Nico Geldhof Pag. 99 - 100 1987 Uitgeverij Eisma b.v., Leeuwarden
WarPaint Series no. 28: Fairey Firefly F. MK. 1 to U.Mk.9 Geoffrey Bussy     Hall Park Books Ltd., Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 21, nummer 2: De Firefly van de Koninklijke Marine Fred Bachofner Pag. 34 - 45 1992 I.P.M.S. Nederland, Nederland
Camouflage en Kentekens J.Greuter e.a.   1997 Bonneville – Bergen (NH)
85 JAAR Marineluchtvaartdienst in beeld Van Farman tot NH 90 Helikopter Peter Korbee Pag. 92 - 93 2002 Korbee MLD Promotie, Valkenburg

 

Websites.