Aircraft of the Month for November 2001

Fairey Gannet

by Alex Stoll

naval specification was issued in 1945 stemming from the recognition of the need for ASW aircraft following World War II for a carrier-based ASW/strike aircraft. The first flight took place on 19 September 1949. After redesigning the Gannet to incorporate three seats and a turboshaft, the new prototype flew in May 1951. Assembly begain in spring 1952. Modifications of the engine and technical equipment resulted in the A.S. Mk 4 version. The T. Mk 2 and T. Mk 5 were training versions with dual controls. After a decade of developement, the Fairey Gannet entered active service, serving with the HMS Illustrius, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Eagle. The first Ganney AEW Mk 3 prototype entered service in 1958, providing the Royal Navy with a needed early warning aircraft. Differences between the AEW Mk 3 and the AS Mk 1 included a new fuselage and larger landing gear.

The Armstrong-Siddeley Double-Mamba turboprop featured two independent power sections powering two seperate counter-rotating propellers. One section could be shut down to increase efficiency and extend range during patrol. The turboprop could run off of the fuel from the aircraft carrier's diesel fuel bunker, decreasing the amount of aviation gas and aviation gas tanks needed.

After the Royal Navy's large aircraft carriers were retired, the Gannet was replaced by the Westland Wessex helicopter. Eventually all the export countries, such as the Netherlands and Australia, also replaced their Gannets.

Gannet Secifications

AS Mk I AS Mk 4

Accomodation Three
Powerplant One 2230 kW (2950 shp) Armstrong Siddeley Double-Mamba 100 turboprop One 2280 kW (3015 shp) Armstrong Siddeley Double-Mamba Mark 101 turboprop

Armament 1300 kg (2900 pounds) of torpedoes, depth charges and sonobuoys in a bomb bay plus rockets on underwing hardpoints

Total production 349

Performance

Ceiling 7600 m (25,000 ft)

Max Speed 500 kph (269 kts/310 mph) 485 kph (261 kts/301 mph)

Range 1518 km (819 nm/943 miles)

Range with full armament 1227 km (662 nm/762 miles)

Weights

Empty 6841 kg (15,069 lb) 6900 kg (15,200 lb)

MTOW 9806 kg (21,600 lb) 10,200 kg (22,500 lb)

Dimensions

Wingspan 16.6 m (54 ft 4 in)

Length 13.1 m (43 ft)

Height 4.2 m (13 ft 8.5 in)

Wing area 45.5 m² (489.7 sq ft)

Gannet Secifications
	AS Mk I	AS Mk 4
Accomodation	Three
Powerplant	One 2230 kW (2950 shp) Armstrong Siddeley Double-Mamba 100 turboprop	One 2280 kW (3015 shp) Armstrong Siddeley Double-Mamba Mark 101 turboprop
Armament	1300 kg (2900 pounds) of torpedoes, depth charges and sonobuoys in a bomb bay plus rockets on underwing hardpoints
Total production	349
Performance
Ceiling	7600 m (25,000 ft)
Max Speed	500 kph (269 kts/310 mph)	485 kph (261 kts/301 mph)
Range	1518 km (819 nm/943 miles)
Range with full armament	1227 km (662 nm/762 miles)
Weights
Empty	6841 kg (15,069 lb)	6900 kg (15,200 lb)
MTOW	9806 kg (21,600 lb)	10,200 kg (22,500 lb)
Dimensions
Wingspan	16.6 m (54 ft 4 in)
Length	13.1 m (43 ft)
Height	4.2 m (13 ft 8.5 in)
Wing area	45.5 m² (489.7 sq ft)

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