Fairey Swordfish in Fleet Air Arm service 1936 to 1945 (AIRfile)

Affectionately known as the ‘Stringbag’ by its crews, the Fairey Swordfish is one of World War Two’s most iconic and recognizable biplane aircraft. Introduced in to Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arm service in 1936, the aircraft wasn’t operationally retired until May 1945, and despite its obsolescent and antiquated looks, outlived several ‘more modern’ types intended to replace it, remaining in front-line service through to the end of the war in Europe. A British ‘classic’, and well timed to coincide with the recently released 1/72 scale kit from Airfix, this is another illustration and photos publication.