Fairey Seafox

The Fairey Seafox was a British ship‑borne reconnaissance floatplane built by the Fairey Aviation Company in the late 1930s. Developed to meet Air Ministry Specification O.22/36, the Seafox first flew on 23 March 1938 and entered service with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm in 1939. Powered by a 645 hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx V12 radial engine, the aircraft featured a low‑wing monoplane layout, all‑metal construction, and a retractable under‑wing float that could be jettisoned for emergency water landings. Equipped with a forward‑firing .303‑in machine gun and a flexible rear‑mounted gun, the Seafox carried a modest payload of photographic equipment or light bombs for reconnaissance and spot‑ter duties.

Although only 38 units were built, the Seafox saw extensive action during World II, operating from cruiser‑borne catapults and providing vital intelligence for naval gunfire control, especially during the Mediterranean and Atlantic campaigns. Its ability to launch from small warships and land safely on water made it a versatile asset before the rapid advance of carrier‑based aircraft rendered floatplanes obsolete. The Seafox remains a noteworthy example of interwar naval aviation innovation and the adaptability of Fairey’s design philosophy.

Fairey Aviation Company

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