British Forces

The Fulmar carrier-borne fighter

NCY-152

The Fulmar carrier-borne fighter design encountered some design difficulties, but eventually was able to produce an acceptable prototype. An order for 127 aircraft was given in mid-1938, and production began in 1940. In Jul 1940, the British Royal Navy's No. 806 Squadron Fleet Air Arm aboard HMS Illustrious was given Fulmar aircraft; the pilots of the No. 806 Squadron noted the aircraft as too large and unwieldy when engaging in combat with single-seat land-based Axis fighters, though nevertheless they were successful on the Malta convoy missions, shooting down 10 Italian bombers and six Axis fighters by fall of 1940. In the Nov 1940 attack on Taranto, Italy, they flew top cover for the Swordfish torpedo bombers. Starting in 1942, modern designs slowly replaced Fulmar fighters in combat roles, but their high fuel capacity and the great range kept them in reconnaissance and convoy escort roles. Production of these aircraft ceased in Feb 1943 after 600 were built. On 8 Feb 1945, they were officially retired from service. Fulmar fighters destroyed a total of 112 aircraft during the war.