Wikipedia

Fairey Barracuda

TheFairey Barracudawas a Britishcarrier-bornetorpedoanddive bomberdesigned byFairey Aviation.It was the first aircraft of this type operated by theFleet Air Arm(FAA) of theRoyal Navyto be fabricated entirely frommetal.

Barracuda
Fairey Barracuda Mk II of 814th Naval Air Squadron over HMSVenerable(R63)
General information
TypeTorpedo bomber,dive bomber
National originUnited Kingdom
ManufacturerFairey Aviation
Built byBlackburn Aircraft
Boulton Paul
Westland Aircraft
Primary usersRoyal Navy
Number built2,602[1]
History
Manufactured1941–1945
Introduction date10 January 1943
First flight7 December 1940

The Barracuda was developed as a replacement for theFairey Albacorebiplanes.Development was protracted due to the original powerplant intended for the type, theRolls-Royce Exe,being cancelled. It was replaced by the less powerfulRolls-Royce Merlinengine. On 7 December 1940, the first Fairey prototype conducted itsmaiden flight.Early testing revealed it to be somewhat underpowered. The definitive Barracuda Mk II had a more powerful model of the Merlin engine, while later versions were powered by the larger and even more powerfulRolls-Royce Griffonengine. The type was ordered in bulk to equip the FAA. In addition to Fairey's production line, Barracudas were also built byBlackburn Aircraft,Boulton PaulandWestland Aircraft.

The type participated in numerous carrier operations during the conflict, in theAtlantic Ocean,Mediterranean Seaand thePacific Oceanagainst the Germans, Italians and Japanese respectively during the latter half of the war. One of the Barracuda's most noteworthy engagements was aOperation Tungstena mass attack upon the GermanbattleshipTirpitzon 3 April 1944. In addition to the FAA, the Barracuda was also used by theRoyal Air Force,theRoyal Canadian Navy,theDutch Naval Aviation Serviceand theFrench Air Force.After its withdrawal from service during the 1950s, no intact examples of the Barracuda were preserved despite its once-large numbers, although theFleet Air Arm Museumhas ambitions to assemble a full reproduction.

Design and development

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Background

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In 1937 the BritishAir MinistryissuedSpecification S.24/37,which sought amonoplanetorpedo bomberto satisfyOperational Requirement OR.35.The envisioned aircraft was a three-seater that would possess a high payload capacity and a high maximum speed.[1]Six submissions were received by the Air Ministry, from which the designs of Fairey andSupermarine(Type 322) were selected and a pair of prototypes of each design were ordered.[2]On 7 December 1940, the first Fairey prototype conducted itsmaiden flight.[3][1]The SupermarineType 322did not fly until 1943 and, as the Barracuda was already in production by then, its development did not progress further.[citation needed]

The Barracuda was a shoulder-wingcantilevermonoplane[1]It had a retractableundercarriageand non-retracting tailwheel. Thehydraulically-operated main landing gear struts were of an "L" shape which retracted into a recess in the side of the fuselage and the wing, with the wheels within the wing. A flusharrestor hookwas fitted directly ahead of the tail wheel. It was operated by a crew of three, who were seated in atandemarrangement under a continuous-glazedcanopy.The pilot had a sliding canopy while the other two crew members' canopy was hinged. The two rear-crew had alternate locations in the fuselage, the navigator's position having bay windows below the wings for downward visibility.[4]The wings were furnished with largeFairey-Youngman flapswhich doubled asdive brakes.Originally fitted with a conventional tail, flight tests suggested that stability would be improved by mounting the elevator higher, similar to aT-tail,an arrangement on the second prototype.[1]For carrier stowage the wings folded back horizontally at the roots; the small vertical protrusions on the upper wingtips held hooks that attached to the tailplane.[citation needed]

Barracuda Mk II carrying an 18-inch (46 cm)aerial torpedo.The ASV radar "Yagi" antennae are visible above the wings.

The Barracuda had originally been intended to be powered by theRolls-Royce ExeX block,sleeve valveengine, but production of this powerplant was beset with difficulties and eventually abandoned, which in turn delayed the prototype's trials.[1][5]It was decided to adopt the lower-powered 12-cylinderV-typeRolls-Royce MerlinMark 30 engine [1,260 hp (940 kW)] to drive a three-bladedde Havillandpropeller and the prototypes eventually flew with this configuration.[1][6]Experiences gained from the prototype's flight testing, as well as operations with the first production aircraft, calledBarracuda Mk I,revealed the aircraft to be underpowered which apparently resulted from the weight of extra equipment that had been added since the initial design. Only 23 Barracuda Mk Is were constructed, including five byWestland Aircraft.These aircraft were used for trials and conversion training.[5]

Carrier landing the Barracuda was relatively straightforward due to a combination of the powerful flaps/airbrakes fitted to the aircraft and good visibility from the cockpit. Retracting the air-brakes at high speeds whilst simultaneously applyingrudderwould cause a sudden change intrim,which could throw the aircraft into an inverted dive.[7][6]Incidents of this occurrence proved fatal on at least five occasions during practice torpedo runs; once the problem was identified, appropriate pilot instructions were issued prior to the aircraft entering carrier service.[7]

Further development

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The definitive version of the aircraft was the Barracuda Mk II which had the more powerful 1,640 hp (1,220 kW) Merlin 32 driving a four-bladed propeller.[3]A total of 1,688 Mk IIs were manufactured by several companies, including Fairey (atStockportandRingway) (675),Blackburn Aircraft(700),Boulton Paul(300), and Westland (13).[8]The Barracuda Mk II carried the metric wavelengthASV II(Air to Surface Vessel) radar, with theYagi-Uda antennaecarried above the wings.[9]The Barracuda Mk III was an ASW Mk II; changes included the replacement of the metric wavelength ASV set by acentimetric ASV III variant,the scanner for which was housed in a blister under the rear fuselage.[5][3]852 Barracuda Mk IIIs were eventually produced, 460 by Fairey and 392 by Boulton Paul.[3]

A Barracuda Mk. V; notice the squared off wing tips and the enlarged radiator and spinner for the Griffon engine. The lack of the larger fin and wing radar pod suggests that this is the prototype.

The Barracuda Mk IV never left the drawing board.[citation needed]The next and final variant was theBarracuda Mk V,in which the Merlin was replaced with the largerRolls-Royce Griffonengine. The increased power and torque of the Griffon required other changes, which included the enlargement of the vertical fin and increased wing span with tips being clipped. The first Barracuda Mk V, which was converted from a Mk II, did not fly until 16 November 1944. Fairey had only built 37 aircraft before the war in Europe was over.[citation needed]

Early Merlin 30-powered Barracuda Mk 1s were deemed to be underpowered and suffered from a poor rate of climb but once airborne the type proved relatively easy to fly. During October 1941, trials of the Barracuda Mk 1 were conducted atRAF Boscombe Down,which found that the aircraft possessed an overall weight of 12,820 lb (5,820 kg) when equipped with a 1,566 lb (710 kg) torpedo. At this weight the Mk 1 had a maximum speed of 251 mph (404 km/h) at 10,900 ft (3,300 m), a climb to 15,000 ft (4,600 m) took 19.5 minutes, with a maximum climb rate of 925 ft/min (282 m/min) at 8,400 ft (2,600 m) and a service ceiling of 19,100 ft (5,800 m).[10]

Stockport-built Barracuda V with final enlarged pointed fin at Ringway in May 1946

The later Barracuda Mk II had the more powerful Merlin 32, providing a 400 hp (300 kW) increase in power. During late 1942 testing of the Mk II was performed at RAF Boscombe Down. When flown by naval test pilot LieutenantRoy Sydney Baker-Falknerat 14,250 lb (6,477 kg) it achieved a climb to 10,000 ft (3,000 m) in 13.6 minutes, with a maximum climb rate of 840 ft/min (4.3 m/s) at 5,200 ft and an effective ceiling of 15,000 ft (4,600 m).[10][11]During June 1943, further testing at Boscombe Down by Baker-Falkner demonstrated a maximum range while carrying either a 1,630 lb (750 kg) torpedo or a 2,000 lb bomb (909 kg), of 840 statute miles (1,360 km), and a practical range of 650 statute miles (1,050 km), while carrying 6 × 250 lb (114 kg) bombs reduced the range to 780 miles (1,260 km) and 625 miles (1,010 km), respectively.[12]

During the earlier part of its service life the Barracuda suffered a fairly high rate of unexplained fatal crashes, often involving experienced pilots. Baker-Falkner was brought in to address the issues and boost morale amongst operational squadrons.[13][14]During 1945 the cause was traced to small leaks developing in the hydraulic system. The most common point for such a leak to happen was at the point of entry to the pilot'spressure gaugeand was situated such that the resulting spray was directed straight into the pilot's face. The hydraulic fluid containedetherand as the aircraft were only rarely equipped withoxygen masksand few aircrew wore them below 10,000 ft/3,000 m anyway, the pilot quickly became unconscious during such a leak, inevitably leading to a crash.[15]At the end of May 1945 anAdmiraltyorder was issued that required all examples of the type to be fitted with oxygen as soon as possible and for pilots to use the system at all times.[citation needed]

Operational history

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British service

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An 830 Naval Air Squadron Barracuda taking off fromFuriousat the start of Operation Mascot. The aircraft is carrying a 1,600 lb (730 kg) bomb.

The first Barracudas entered operational service on 10 January 1943 with827 Squadronof theFleet Air Arm(FAA) under the command of Lieutenant CommanderRoy Sydney Baker-Falkner,the former Admiralty test pilot at RAF Boscombe Down, who were deployed in theNorth Atlantic.[6]Eventually a total of 24 front-line FAA squadrons were equipped with Barracudas. While intended to principally function as a torpedo bomber, by the time the Barracuda arrived in quantity relatively littleAxis-aligned shipping remained, so it was instead largely used as a dive-bomber.[1][16]From 1944 onwards, the Barracuda Mk II was accompanied in service by radar-equipped, but otherwise similar, Barracuda Mk IIIs; these were typically used to conductanti-submarineoperations.[17]

TheRoyal Air Force(RAF) also operated the Barracuda Mk II. During 1943 the first of the RAF's aircraft were assigned toNo. 567 Sqn.,based atRAF Detling.During 1944 similar models went to various squadrons, including667 Sqn.atRAF Gosport,679 Sqn.atRAF Ipswichand691 Sqn.atRAF Roborough.Between March and July 1945 all of the RAF's Barracudas were withdrawn from service.[18][19]

During July 1943, the Barracuda first saw action with810 SquadronaboardHMSIllustriousoff the coast ofNorway;shortly thereafter, the squadron was deployed to theMediterranean Seato support thelandings at Salerno,a critical element of theAllied invasion of Italy.[20]During the following year, the Barracuda entered service in thePacific Theatre.[21]

As the only British naval aircraft in service stressed for dive bombing following the retirement of theBlackburn Skua[16]the Barracuda participated inOperation Tungsten,an attack on theGerman battleshipTirpitzwhile it was moored inKåfjord, Alta,Norway.[1][5]On 3 April 1944, Strike LeaderRoy Sydney Baker-Falknerled two Naval Air Wings with a total of 42 aircraft dispatched from British carriersHMSVictoriousandFuriousscored 14 direct hits onTirpitzusing a combination of 1,600 lb (730 kg) and 500 lb (230 kg) bombs for the loss of one bomber.[22][17]This attack damagedTirpitz,killing 122 of her crew and injuring 316, as well as disabling the ship for over two months during the critical period leading up to the Normandy invasion.[23]However, the slow speed of the Barracudas contributed to the failure of the subsequentOperation MascotandOperation Goodwoodattacks onTirpitzduring July and August of that year, but were effective as diversionary tactics whilst the Normandy landings inOperation Overlordwere underway.[24][25]

On 21 April 1944 Barracudas of No 827 Squadron aboardIllustriousbegan operations against Japanese forces.[1][26]The type participated in air raids onSabanginSumatra,known asOperation Cockpit.[27]In the Pacific theatre, the Barracuda's performance was considerably reduced by the prevailing high temperatures;[N 1]reportedly, its combat radius in the Pacific was reduced by as much as 30%. This diminished performance was a factor in the decision to re-equip the torpedo bomber squadrons aboard the fleet carriers of theBritish Pacific FleetwithAmerican-builtGrumman Avengers.[29]

In the Pacific, a major problem hindering the Barracuda was the need to fly overIndonesianmountain ranges to strike at targets located on the eastern side ofJava,which necessitated a high-altitude performance that the Barracuda's low-altitude-rated Merlin 32 engine with its single-stagesuperchargercould not effectively provide.[30][N 2]Carrying the maximum underwing bomb loads resulted in additionaldrag,which further reduced performance.[31]The Light Fleet Carriers of the 11th ACS (which joined the BPF in June 1945) were all equipped with a single Barracuda and single Corsair squadron. ByVictory over Japan Day,the BPF had a total of five Avenger and four Barracuda squadrons embarked on its carriers.[32]

A number of Barracudas participated in trial flights, during which several innovations were tested, includingRATOG rockets for boosting takeoff performance (which ended up being regularly used when operating off escort carriers at high weights),[33]and a brakingpropeller,which slowed the aircraft by reversing theblade pitch.[34]

Following the end of the conflict, the Barracuda was relegated to secondary roles, for the most part being used as atrainer aircraft.[citation needed]The type continued to be operated by FAA squadrons up until the mid-1950s, by which time the type were withdrawn entirely in favour of the Avengers.[1]

Canadian service

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On 24 January 1946, theRoyal Canadian Navy(RCN) took delivery of 12 radar-equipped Barracuda Mk II aircraft; this was a Canadian designation, in British service these aircraft were referred to as the Barracuda Mk. III.[citation needed]The first acquired aircraft were assigned to the newly-formed825 Sqn.aboard aircraft carrierHMCSWarrior.The majority of Canadian aircraft mechanics had served during the war and had been deployed on numerous British aircraft carriers, notablyHMSPuncherandNabobwhich, along with some Canadian pilots, the RCN crewed and operated on behalf of the RN. During 1948, theWarriorwas paid off and returned to Britain along with the Barracuda aircraft.[citation needed]

Variants

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Barracuda
Two prototypes (serial numbersP1767 and P1770) based on the Fairey Type 100 design.
Mk I
First production version,Rolls-Royce Merlin30 engine with 1,260 hp (940 kW), 30 built
Mk II
Upgraded Merlin 32 engine with 1,640 hp (1,225 kW), four-bladed propeller,ASV IIradar, 1,688 built
Mk III
Anti-submarine warfare version of Mk II withASV IIIradar in a blister under rear fuselage, 852 built
Mk IV
Mk II (numberP9976) fitted with aRolls-Royce Griffonengine with 1,850 hp (1,380 kW), first flight 11 November 1944, abandoned in favour ofFairey Spearfish.
Mk V
Griffon 37 engine with 2,020 hp (1,510 kW), payload increased to 2,000 lb (910 kg),ASH radarunder the left wing, revised tailfin, 37 built

Operators

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Canada
France
Netherlands
United Kingdom

Fleet Air Arm[35]

Royal Air Force

Surviving aircraft

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Over 2,500 Barracudas were delivered to the FAA, more than any other type ordered by the Royal Navy by then. Unlike numerous other aircraft of its era, none were retained for posterity and no complete examples of the aircraft exist today.[38][39]Since the early 1970s, theFleet Air Arm Museumhas been collecting Barracuda components from a wide variety of sources throughout the British Isles to rebuild one.

In 2010, help was sought from the team rebuildingDonald Campbell's record-breaking speed boat,Bluebird,as the processes and skills involved were related to those needed to recreating the aircraft from the crashed remains, so between May 2013 and February 2015 'The Barracuda Project' operated as a sister project to the Bluebird rebuild. The tail section ofLS931was reconstructed using only original material. During September 2014, the wreckage of a rear fuselage was delivered to the workshops to undergo the same processes. In February 2015, the Barracuda sections were transported back to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, where the work continues.[40][41]

During 2018 the wreckage of a Fairey Barracuda was discovered by engineers surveying the seabed for an electricity cable between England andFrance.According to Wessex Archaeology it is the only example of the type to have ever been found in one piece and represents the last of its kind in the UK. During 2019 the wreckage was recovered and it was intended to be reassembled and transported to theFleet Air Arm Museumfor preservation.[42][38]

As of November 2023, the Fleet Air Arm Museum is running a project, including online content to rebuild a Barracuda based onDP872,a Barracuda Mk II built by Boulton Paul in 1943.[43]The project is expected to take ten years and although based onDP872,will use parts from at least four other aircraft,LS931,DR306,MD956andPM870.[44][45]

DP872crashed on 29 August 1944 shortly after takeoff fromRNAS Maydown (HMS Shrike)in Northern Ireland. The recovery crew arrived promptly but found the aircraft already sinking in a bog, Blackhead Moss, about 5 mi (8.0 km) from the airfield and were unable to recover the crew of three before the aircraft sank. The remains of the aircraft were recovered in 1971 and stored at the Fleet Air Arm Museum store in Wroughton, Wiltshire.[45]

Specifications (Barracuda Mk II)

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Barracuda Mk.II drawings, with wings unfolded and folded. Profile detail of the Griffon-engined Barracuda Mk.V.

Data fromFairey Aircraft since 1915,[46]British Naval Aircraft since 1912,[47]The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II[5]

General characteristics

  • Crew:3
  • Length:39 ft 9 in (12.12 m)
  • Wingspan:49 ft 2 in (14.99 m)
  • Height:15 ft 2 in (4.62 m)
  • Wing area:405 sq ft (37.6 m2)
  • Empty weight:9,350 lb (4,241 kg)
  • Gross weight:13,200 lb (5,987 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight:14,100 lb (6,396 kg)
  • Powerplant:1 ×Rolls-Royce Merlin 32V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,640 hp (1,220 kW)
  • Propellers:4-bladed constant-speed propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed:240 mph (390 km/h, 210 kn)
  • Cruise speed:195 mph (314 km/h, 169 kn)
  • Range:1,150 mi (1,850 km, 1,000 nmi)
  • Combat range:686 mi (1,104 km, 596 nmi) with 1,620 lb (735 kg) torpedo
  • Service ceiling:16,000 ft (4,900 m)
  • Time to altitude:5,000 ft (1,500 m) in 6 minutes
  • Wing loading:32.6 lb/sq ft (159 kg/m2)
  • Power/mass:0.12 hp/lb (0.20 kW/kg)

Armament

See also

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Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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Notes

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  1. ^All aircraft are adversely affected by increased temperature and humidity. The effect is to lower engine output and increase the takeoff run. Additionally, windless conditions are common very near the equator, further increasing the takeoff run for carrier aircraft.[28]
  2. ^"Illustriousthen exchanged her Barracudas for the Avengers of 832 and 851 before the next operation, an attack on the oil refineries at Soerabaya, Java. For this strike, the aircraft would have to fly across the breadth of Java. The mountainous spine of the island averages 10,000 ft in height, and this minimum height, coupled with the distance to be flown, about 240 miles, prohibited the use of the essentially low altitude Barracuda. "[30]

Citations

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  1. ^abcdefghijkFredriksen 2001, p. 106.
  2. ^Taylor 1974, p. 313.
  3. ^abcdTaylor 1974, p. 314.
  4. ^Bridgman, Leonard.Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II.New York: Crescent Books, 1988. p. 120ISBN0-517-67964-7
  5. ^abcdeBishop 1998, p. 401.
  6. ^abcSmith 2008, p. 337.
  7. ^abBrown 1980, pp. 105–106.
  8. ^"Fairey Barracuda."Flight International,10 August 1944. p. 148.
  9. ^Harrison 2002, p. 26.
  10. ^abMason 1998, pp. 294, 306.
  11. ^Pilot's Notes for Barracuda Marks II and III Merlin 32 engine.London: Air Ministry, February 1945. p.19; at a weight of 13,900 lb, the normal takeoff weight with a 1,630 lb torpedo, the time to climb to 10,000 ft was 12.57 minutes, and climb rates were calculated with the maximum continuous power of the Merlin 32 engine, rather than the 5 minute combat rating.
  12. ^Mason 1998, p. 295.
  13. ^Popham, Hugh.Sea Flight.London: Futura Publications, 1974, First edition, London: William Kimber & Co, 1954. p.163.ISBN0-8600-7131-6
  14. ^Kilbracken 1980, p. 197.
  15. ^Kilbracken 1980, p. 203.
  16. ^abSmith 2008, p. 333.
  17. ^abGunston, Bill.Classic World War II Aircraft Cutaways.London: Osprey, 1995. pp.120-1.ISBN1-85532-526-8.
  18. ^Jefford 2001, ChapterThe Squadrons.
  19. ^Halley 1988, pp. 411, 436, 451, 452, 457.
  20. ^Willis 2009, pp. 72–73.
  21. ^Harrison 2002, pp. 31–32
  22. ^Willis 2009, pp. 74–75.
  23. ^Smith 2008, pp. 337, 339.
  24. ^Roskill, S.W.The War at Sea 1939–1945. Volume III: The Offensive Part II.London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1961. pp. 156, 161–162. OCLC 59005418.
  25. ^"Bombs away."Gisborne Herald,29 December 2018.
  26. ^Smith 2008, pp. 339-340.
  27. ^Willis 2009, p. 75.
  28. ^"Effect of temperature and altitude on airplane performance."pilotfriend.com.Retrieved: 26 September 2010.
  29. ^Willis 2009, pp. 75–76.
  30. ^abBrown 1972, p. 257.
  31. ^Harrison 2002, p. 29.
  32. ^Watson, Graham."Royal Navy: Fleet Air Army, August 1945."Archived2 December 2008 at theWayback Machineorbat.com,v.1.0 7 April 2002. Retrieved: 17 April 2010.
  33. ^Harrison 2002, p. 16
  34. ^Harrison 2002, p. 20
  35. ^Thetford 1982, pp. 162, 172.
  36. ^Lewis 1959, p. 112.
  37. ^Lewis 1959, p. 124.
  38. ^ab"Lost WW2 Aircraft lifted from sea after more than 75 years."heritagedaily.com,5 June 2019.
  39. ^Moss, Richard."Fleet Air Arm reveals progress on project to restore last World War II Barracuda bomber."[permanent dead link‍]culture24.org.uk,25 August 2011.
  40. ^"Barracuda Project".Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum.Retrieved3 February2019.
  41. ^"WWII Barracuda bomber to be rebuilt from crash wreckage."BBC News,30 October 2013.
  42. ^"'Rare' WWII bomber lifted from sea 75 years after crash."BBC News,7 June 2019.
  43. ^"Fairey Barracuda DP872 Rebuild".25 November 2023.Retrieved28 November2023.
  44. ^"Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild".Retrieved28 November2023.
  45. ^ab"Fairey Barracuda II DP872".Retrieved28 November2023.
  46. ^Taylor 1974, p. 325.
  47. ^abcThetford 1978, pp. 162–163.

Bibliography

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  • Bishop, Chris (Ed) "The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II."Orbis Publishing Ltd,1998.ISBN0-7607-1022-8.
  • Brown, Eric, CBE, DCS, AFC, RN.; William Green, and Gordon Swanborough. "Fairey Barracuda".Wings of the Navy, Flying Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War Two.London: Jane's Publishing Company, 1980, pp. 99–108..
  • Brown, J. David.Fairey Barracuda Mks. I-V (Aircraft in profile 240).Windsor, Berkshire, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1972.
  • Brown, David.HMS Illustrious Aircraft Carrier 1939-1956: Operational History(Warship Profile 11). London: Profile Publications, 1971.
  • Fredriksen, John C.International Warbirds: An Illustrated Guide to World Military Aircraft, 1914-2000.ABC-CLIO, 2001.ISBN0-7106-0002-XISBN1-57607-364-5.
  • Hadley, D.Barracuda Pilot.London: AIRlife Publishing, 2000.ISBN1-84037-225-7.
  • Halley, James J.The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth 1918–1988.Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1988.ISBN0-85130-164-9.
  • Harrison, W.A.Fairey Barracuda, Warpaint No.35.Luton, Bedfordshire, UK: Hall Park Books Ltd., 2002.
  • Jefford, C.G.RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912.Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing, 2001.ISBN1-84037-141-2.
  • Kilbracken, Lord.Bring Back my Stringbag.London, Pan Books Ltd., 1980 (also London: Peter Davies Ltd, 1979),ISBN0-330-26172-X.
  • Lewis, Peter.Squadron Histories: R.F.C., R.N.A.S. and R.A.F. 1912–59.London: Putnam, 1959.
  • Mason, Tim.The Secret Years: Flight Testing at Boscombe Down, 1939-1945.Manchester, UK: Hikoki Publications, 1998.ISBN0-9519899-9-5.
  • Smith, Peter C.Dive Bomber!: Aircraft, Technology, and Tactics in World War II.Stackpole Books, 2008.ISBN0-811-74842-1
  • Taylor, H.A.Fairey Aircraft Since 1915.London: Putnam, 1974.ISBN0-370-00065-X.
  • Thetford, Owen.British Naval Aircraft since 1912.London: Putnam, Fifth edition, 1982.ISBN0-370-30021-1.
  • Willis, Matthew. "Database: The Fairey Barracuda."Aeroplane Monthly,May 2009, Vol. 37, No. 5, pp. 57–77.
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