NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Fairey Gannet fulfilled a role in the Royal Navy for a carrier based anti-submarine aircraft. It was
their first anti-submarine aircraft that could carry out both search and strike
missions. Later models of the Fairey Gannet were used as radar early warning aircraft.
Once initial engine problems were worked out, pilots flying the Gannet appreciate the aircraft's
maneuverability, responsiveness to control inputs, powerful engines, good visibility, and stable flight features.
Its dual contra rotating propellers and Double Mamba engine provided the safety of twin engines without
the handling worries associated with flying a standard twin engine aircraft with one engine out. One engine could even be turned off
during flight as a fuel saving measure.
Although the Fairey Gannet made its
first carrier landing on June 19, 1950, it wasn't until 1955 that
Gannet aircraft entered fleet service. That was due to Admiralty
revisions of the aircraft which included the addition of a search
radar and its operators station.
To facilitate aircraft carrier stowage,
the wings of the Fairey Gannet folded in two places. When a radar
dome was added to the belly of the aircraft for early warning use, it
decreased flight stability. This necessitated the addition of two
small vertical stabs on its horizontal
stabilizer. If it were not for
having to fit in the confines of a hangar deck, the vertical
stabilizer of the aircraft would simply have been made taller.
The fuselage of the Gannet housed a
weapons bay large enough to accommodate up to two thousand pounds of
ordnance, including two torpedoes.
In addition to the British Royal Navy,
Fairey Gannet aircraft served with the Australian Navy on board their
aircraft carriers, and the German Naval Air Arm from shore bases.
Indonesia also flew the aircraft.
Early warning versions of the Gannet
were the last to be retired from active duty. They served with the
Fleet Air Arm through 1977.
Over 400 Fairey Gannet aircraft of all types were produced.
anti-submarine
three
Mamba Turboprop
2,950 hp
15,120 lbs.
21,600 lbs.
none
2,850 lbs.
44' 0"
54' 4"
220 mph
310 mph
2,200 fpm
25,000 feet
950 miles
9/19/49
1955
Radio Control Airplane
RDV of RC Groups rc Fairey Gannet.
Radio Control Airplanes:
Pictured above is the rc Fairey Gannet built by RDV of RC Groups from Mike Lovell plans. Its wingspan is 76". It is powered by Himax contra-rotating motors.
Pictured first below is the rc Fairey Gannet project by dagenham of RC Groups. It has a wingspan of 82" and should be powered by a 1.08 two stroke engine.
The second picture below is of the rc Fairey Gannet scratch built by Shane L of RCFM. It
has a seven foot wingspan and is powered by a 1.08 two cycle engine. Weight is around 27 lbs.
Pictured third is the rc Fairey Gannet project being built by P5147 of RCFM. It has a 108" wingspan, is 86" long, and is powered by a Moki 1.35 engine.
The last picture is of the rc Fairey Gannet built from a short kit for sale by Aviation Modeller International. It has a wingspan of 81". Fairey Gannet plans are
available for sale separately.
Radio Control Airplane
RC Groups dagenham Fairey Gannet project.
Radio Control Airplane
The rc Fairey Ganet by Shane L of RCFM.
Radio Control Airplane
RCMF P5147 rc Fairey Gannet project.
Radio Control Airplane
Aviation Modeller kit rc Fairey Ganet.
Keil Kraft has rc Fairey Gannet plans for sale from Green Air Designs. Wingspan is 20".
The AMA Plans Service has rc Fairey Gannet plans for sale. They build to a 38" wingspan. Plan no. 24785.
Their are Fairey Gannet c/l plans for sale from J.M. Bodey. It has a 38" wingspan and can be powered with
2.5 to 3.5 cc engines. Most control line models can be converted to radio control airplanes.
Charles Garderner has rc Fairey Gannet plans for sale for a 75" wingspan slope soarer with elevator and aileron control.
At RC Groups shags_j was looking for a rc Fairey Gannet kit.
At RC Groups macboffin mentioned the rc Fairey Gannet in a posting.
At RC Universe Gannet man
was seeking information that would him in the construction of a rc Fairey Gannet.
At You Tube reedy93 posted a video of a rc Fairey Gannet flying.
Fairey Gannet
