WesWorld

My mother of all OOBs is now complete. Every unit that flies an aircraft in the RAF and FAA is listed with bases and types. This data covers all of 1940.



Fighter Command
HQ Bentley Priory

No 10 Group, HQ Box
Middle Wallop Sector
23 Sqn, Middle Wallop Gloster G.39 Gunner I & F.Mk.II
152 Sqn, Warmwell, Supermarine Spitfire II
Filton Sector
79 Sqn, Pembrey, Hawker Hurricane II
137 Sqn, Charmy Down, Gloster G.39 Gunner I
595 Sqn (Target Towing), Aberporth, Fairey Battle
Exeter Sector
175 Sqn, Exeter, (forming with Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.1)
587 Sqn (Target Towing), Exeter, Fairey Battle


No 11 Group, HQ Uxbridge
Kenley Sector
85 Sqn, Kenley, Hawker Hurricane II & III (converting to Hawker Tornado F.Mk.1)
87 Sqn, Kenley, Hawker Hurricane II (converting to Hawker Tornado F.Mk.1)
Biggin Hill Sector
3 Sqn, Biggin Hill, Hawker Hurricane II & III (converting to Hawker Tornado F.Mk.1)
92 Sqn, Biggin Hill, Hawker Hurricane II & III
66 Sqn, Biggin Hill, Supermarine Spitfire II
72 Sqn, Biggin Hill, Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.III
Northolt Sector
264 Sqn, Northolt, Boulton Paul Defiant
111 Sqn, Northolt, Hawker Tornado F.Mk.I
11 GCF (General Communications Flight), Northolt, Miles Mentor
Hornchurch Sector
41 Sqn, Hornchurch, Supermarine Spitfire II
81 Sqn, Hornchurch, Hawker Tornado F.Mk.I
1F Sqn, Hornchurch, Hawker Tornado F.Mk.I
41 Sqn, Rochford, Supermarine Spitfire I
North Weald Sector
56 Sqn, North Weald, Hawker Hurricane II (converting to Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.1)
198 Sqn, North Weald, (forming with Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.1)
609 Sqn, Manston, (forming with Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.1)
Debden Sector
17 Sqn, Hawker Hurricane II (converting to Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.1)
71 Sqn, Hawker Hurricane II (converting to Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.1)
501 Sqn, Debden, Hawker Hurricane II & III (converting to Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.1)
605 Sqn, Debden, Hawker Hurricane II (converting to Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.1)
222 Sqn, Martlesham Heath, Vickers Wellington Mk IIIF
25 Sqn, Martlesham Heath, Bristol Blenheim IF
No. 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge, Hawker Hurricane II and Miles Master I & II
AICF (Airborne Interception Conversion Flight), Martlesham Heath, Vickers Wellington Mk IIIF and Bristol Blenheim IF and Miles Master I and Vickers Wellesley
Tangmere Sector
606 Sqn, Tangmere, Supermarine Spitfire II (converting to Spitfire F.Mk.III)
607 Sqn Tangmere, Supermarine Spitfire I
601 Sqn, Westhampnett, Supermarine Spitfire I
602 Sqn, Westhampnett, Supermarine Spitfire I

No 12 Group, HQ Watnall
Duxford Sector
19 Sqn, Duxford, Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.III
242 Sqn, Duxford, Supermarine Spitfire II
Coltishall Sector
25 Sqn, Coltishall, Supermarine Spitfire I
74 Sqns, Coltishall, Supermarine Spitfire II
66 Sqn, Horsham St Faith, Boulton Paul Defiant
695 Sqn (Target Towing), Horsham St Faith, Fairey Battle
Wittering Sector
32 Sqn, Wittering, Supermarine Spitfire II
43 Sqn, Wittering, Supermarine Spitfire II
266 Sqn, Wittering, Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.III
12 GCF, Wittering, Percival P.28 Proctor I
Digby Sector
29 Sqn, Digby, Gloster G.39 Gunner I
631 Sqn (Target Towing), Llanbedr, Fairey Battle and Gloster Gladiator
Church Fenton Sector
64 Sqn, Church Fenton, Supermarine Spitfire II
151 Sqn, Church Fenton, Supermarine Spitfire I
No. 4 OTU, Church Fenton, Miles Master I and Supermarine Spitfire I
603 Sqn, Ringway, Supermarine Spitfire I
600 Sqn, Leconfield, Gloster G.39 Gunner I and F.Mk.II
604 Sqn, Leconfield, Gloster G.39 Gunner I
No. 5 OTU, Ashton Down, Hawker Hurricane II & III and Supermarine Spitfire I and Miles Master I & II

No 13 Group, HQ Newcastle
Catterick Sector
54 Sqn, Catterick, Supermarine Spitfire I
219 Sqn, Catterick, Gloster G.39 Gunner I
Usworth Sector
32 Sqn, Acklington, Hawker Hurricane II
Turnhouse Sector
65 Sqn, Turnhouse, Supermarine Spitfire II (converting to Spitfire F.Mk.III)
615 Sqn, Prestwick, Supermarine Spitfire I
263 Sqn, Drem, Gloster G.39 Gunner I
141 Sqn, Grangemouth, Boulton Paul Defiant
No. 7 OTU, Hawardern, Supermarine Spitfire I and Miles Master I
13 GCF, Drem, Percival P.28 Proctor I
553 Sqn (Target Towing), West Freugh, Fairey Battle and Hawker Hind
Dyce Sector
145 Sqn, Dyce, Hawker Hurricane II
Wick Sector
Sumburgh
Aldergrove Sector
Aldergrove


Bomber Command
HQ High Wycombe

No 1 Group, HQ Huntingdon
63 Sqn, Gt. Massingham, Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I
12 Sqn, Swanton Morley, Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I
195 Sqn, Methwold, Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I
35 Sqn, Huntingdon, Vickers Wellesley (converting to Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I)
12 Sqn, Wattisham, Vickers Wellesley (converting to Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I)
63 Sqn, Wattisham, Vickers Wellesley (converting to Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I)
20 Sqn, Watton, Hawker Henley I & II & III
501 Sqn, Watton, Hawker Henley I
6 Sqn, Andover, Hawker Henley I & II & III
611 Sqn, Benson, Hawker Henley I
612 Sqn, Benson, Hawker Henley I & II
613 Sqn, Upwood, Hawker Henley I
614 Sqn, Oulton, Hawker Henley I
502 Sqn, Old Sarum, Hawker Henley I & II
608 Sqn, Old Sarum, Hawker Henley I
504 Sqn, Thruxton, Hawker Henley I
610 Sqn, Stoney Cross, Hawker Henley I

No 2 Group, HQ Wyton
40 Sqn, Wyton, Bristol Blenheim
114 Sqn, Wyton, Bristol Blenheim
105 Sqn, Marham, (forming on DH Mosquito B.Mk.I)
107 Sqn, Marham, Bristol Blenheim
110 Sqn, Marham, Bristol Blenheim
90 Sqn, Manston, Bristol Blenheim
141 Sqn, Manston, Bristol Blenheim
108 Sqn, Bassingbourne, Bristol Blenheim
139 Sqn, Wick, Bristol Blenheim

No 3 Group, HQ Mildenhall
9 Sqn, Honington, Vickers Wellington I
24 Sqn, Honington, Vickers Wellington II
138 Sqn, Honington, Vickers Wellington
38 Sqn, Marham, Vickers Wellington II
115 Sqn, Marham, Vickers Wellington I
7 Sqn, Feltwell, Vickers Wellington II
70 Sqn, Feltwell, Vickers Wellington II
77 Sqn, Feltwell, Vickers Wellington III
99 Sqn, Mildenhall, Vickers Wellington III
150 Sqn, Mildenhall, Vickers Wellington III
75 Sqn, Mildenhall, Vickers Warwick B.Mk.I (converting to Wellington IV)
3 GCF, Marham, Percival P.28 Proctor I and Miles Mentor

No 4 Group, HQ Linton-on-Ouse
10 Sqn, Dishforth, Boulton Paul P.90 Birmingham
78 Sqn, Dishforth, Boulton Paul P.90 Birmingham
51 Sqn, Boscombe Down, Boulton Paul P.90 Birmingham
58 Sqn, Boscombe Down, Boulton Paul P.90 Birmingham
57 Sqn, Driffield, (forming with Boulton Paul Birmingham)
90 Sqn, Linton-on-Ouse, Vickers Warwick B.Mk.I (converting to Wellington IV)
199 Sqn, Linton-on-Ouse, Vickers Warwick B.Mk.I (converting to Wellington IV)

No 5 Group, HQ Grantham
61 Sqn, Hemswell, Handley Page Hampden
44 Sqn, Hemswell, Handley Page Hampden
49 Sqn, Scampton, Handley Page Hampden (converting to Boulton Paul Birmingham)
83 Sqn, Scampton, Handley Page Hampden
44 Sqn, Waddington, Handley Page Hampden
50 Sqn, Waddington, Handley Page Hampden (converting to Boulton Paul Birmingham)
106 Sqn, Cottesmore, Handley Page Hampden
185 Sqn, Cottesmore, Handley Page Hampden
7 Sqn, Finningley, Handley Page Hampden
76 Sqn, Finningley, Handley Page Hampden
1 GCF (General Communications Flight), Finningley, Miles Mentor

No 6 Group, HQ Upper Heyford
Bomber Command Development Unit, Boscombe Down, Boulton Paul Birmingham and Vickers Wellington III and Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I and DH Mosquito B.Mk.I
No.10 OTU, Abingdon, Armstrong Whitworth Whitley and Boulton Paul Birmingham
No.11 OTU, Bassingbourn, Airspeed Oxford I and Vickers Wellington I & II
No.12 OTU, Benson, Fairey Battle and Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I and Hawker Henley I
No.13 OTU, Bicester, Airspeed Oxford I and Bristol Blenheim
No.14 OTU, Cottesmore, Handley Page Hampden and DH Mosquito B.Mk.I
No.15 OTU, Harwell, Airspeed Oxford I and Vickers Wellington I & II
No.16 OTU, Upper Heyford, Handley Page Hampden and Airspeed Oxford I
No.17 OTU, Upwood, Fairey Battle and Hawker Henley I
BCIREF (Bomber Command Instrument Rating Examination Flight), Scampton, Vickers Wellington I and Bristol Blenheim
BCIS (Bomber Command Instructors School), Finningley, Vickers Wellington I and Boulton Paul Birmingham

No 105 Group, HQ Benson
1 PR Flt, Benson, (forming)


Army Co-Operation Command
No 7 Group, HQ Tempsford
16 Sqn, Middle Wallop, Westland Lysander II
13 Sqn, Odiham, Westland Lysander II
28 Sqn, Wimbourne, Westland Lysander II
1 Army Co-Operation Flight (ACF), Middle Wallop, Westland Lysander I
2 ACF, Old Sarum, Westland Lysander I
3 ACF, Tempsford, Westland Lysander I
4 ACF, Odiham, Westland Lysander I
5 ACF, Wimbourne, Westland Lysander I


Coastal Command
HQ Northwood

No 15 Group, HQ Ballykelly
39 Sqn, Ballykelly, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
229 Sqn, Castle Archdale, Supermarine Stranraer
278 Sqn, Castle Archdale, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
280 Sqn A Flt (Air-Sea Rescue), Castle Archdale, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
1565 Flt (Meteorology), Aldergrove, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I

No 16 Group, HQ North Coates
48 Sqn, Manston, Avro Anson
220 Sqn Bradwell, Avro Anson
206 Sqn, Detling, Avro Anson
50 Sqn, Detling, Avro Anson
185 Sqn, Bircham Newton, Handley Page Hereford GR.Mk.II
254 Sqn, North Coates, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
42 Sqn, Thorney Island, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
280 Sqn B Flt (Air-Sea Rescue), Thorny Island, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
1561 Flt (Meteorology), Langham, Handley Page Hereford GR.Mk.II
1562 Flt (Meteorology), Langham, Gloster Sea Gladiator
ATDU (Aircraft Torpedo Development Unit), Gosport, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I and Handley Page Hereford GR.Mk.II and Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
16 GCF (General Communications Flight), Rochester, Percival P.28 Proctor I and Miles Mentor

No 18 Group, HQ Leuchars
143 Sqn, Leuchars, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
226 Sqn, Wick, Supermarine Stranraer
280 Sqn C Flt (Air-Sea Rescue), Wick, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
202 Sqn, Sullom Voe, Supermarine Stranraer
211 Sqn, Oban, Short Sunderland II & MR.Mk.III
212 Sqn, Oban, Short Sunderland II
1563 Flt (Meteorology), Leuchars, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
18 GCF, Leuchars, Percival P.28 Proctor I

No 17 Group, HQ Thornaby (Training)
Coastal Command Development Unit, Ballykelly, Avro Anson and Bristol Beaufort and Handley Page Hereford and Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
No.1 OTU, Thornaby, Bristol Beaufort and Airspeed Oxford I
No.2 OTU, Chivenor, Avro Anson and Bristol Beaufort and Airspeed Oxford I & II
No.3 OTU, Stranraer, Short Singapore III and Supermarine Sea Otter and Supermarine Stranraer
CCFIS (Coastal Command Flight Instructors School), Tain, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I and Avro Anson and Miles Master II
No.1 SGR (School of General Reconnaissance), Leuchars, Avro Anson and Handley Page Hereford GR.Mk.II

No 19 Group, HQ Pembroke Dock
205 Sqn, Mount Batten, Short Sunderland I & II
204 Sqn, Mount Batten, Blackburn B.20 Boston MR.Mk.I
728 Fleet Requirements Sqn, Mount Batten, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
209 Sqn, Pembroke Dock, Short Sunderland I
210 Sqn, Pembroke Dock, Short Sunderland II and MR.Mk.IV
201 Sqn, Calshot, Blackburn B.20 Boston MR.Mk.I
225 Sqn, Calshot, Supermarine Stranraer
143 Sqn, Chivenor, Handley Page Hereford GR.Mk.I
172 Sqn, Chivenor, (forming with Vickers Wellington GR.Mk.VI)
144 Sqn, St.Eval, Handley Page Hereford GR.Mk.I
179 Sqn, St.Eval, (forming with Vickers Wellington GR.Mk.VI)
86 Sqn, Beaulieu, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
236 Sqn, Predannock, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
1564 Flt (Meteorology), Chivenor, Handley Page Hereford GR.Mk.I
19 GCF, Portreath, Percival P.28 Proctor I

No 30 Group, HQ Gibraltar
203 Sqn, Gibraltar, Short Sunderland I & II
224 Sqn, Gibraltar, (forming with Vickers Wellington GR.Mk.VI)
1401 Flt (Meteorology), Gibraltar, Gloster Sea Gladiator and Short Sunderland I


Transport Command
HQ Hendon

No 10 Group, HQ Lyneham
King’s Flight, Hendon, Airspeed AS.6 Envoy
MCS (Metropolitan Communications Squadron), Hendon, Airspeed AS.5 Courier and De Havilland Dragon Rapide and Percival P.28 Proctor I
31 Sqn, Tempsford, De Havilland Hertfordshire
70 Sqn, Lyneham, De Havilland Hertfordshire
295 Sqn, Oakington, De Havilland Hertfordshire
296 Sqn, Stradishall, De Havilland Hertfordshire
299 Sqn, Rivenhall, Airspeed AS.7 Consul (ambulance)
ADLS (Air Delivery Letter Service), Northolt, GCF, Percival P.28 Proctor I
4 GCF (General Communications Flight), Full Sutton, Percival P.28 Proctor I
5 GCF, Earls Colne, Percival P.28 Proctor I and Miles Mentor

Training Command
HQ Cranwell

No 20 Group (Elementary Training), HQ Cranwell
1 EFTS (Elementary Flying Training School), Panshangar, DH Tiger Moth
2 EFTS, Yatesbury, DH Tiger Moth
3 EFTS, Shellingford, DH Tiger Moth
4 EFTS, Brough, DH Tiger Moth and Miles Magister
5 EFTS, Hanworth, DH Tiger Moth
6 EFTS, Sywell, DH Tiger Moth and Miles Magister
7 EFTS, Desford, DH Tiger Moth
8 EFTS, Woodley, DH Tiger Moth and Miles Magister
9 EFTS, Elmdon, DH Tiger Moth
10 EFTS, Filton, DH Tiger Moth
11 EFTS, Perth, DH Tiger Moth
Cambridge University Air Squadron, Cambridge, DH Tiger Moth
Oxford University Air Squadron, Kidlington, DH Tiger Moth
Manchester University Air Squadron, Barton, DH Tiger Moth
Birmingham University Air Squadron, Castle Bromwich, DH Tiger Moth
Leeds University Air Squadron, Church Fenton, DH Tiger Moth
Durham University Air Squadron, Usworth, DH Tiger Moth
Nottingham University Air Squadron, Newton, DH Tiger Moth
London University Air Squadron, Fair Oaks, DH Tiger Moth
Glasgow University Air Squadron, Abbotsinch, DH Tiger Moth
Aberdeen University Air Squadron, Dyce, DH Tiger Moth
St Andrews University Air Squadron, Leuchars, DH Tiger Moth
Edinburgh University Air Squadron, Turnhouse, DH Tiger Moth
Queens University Air Squadron, Sydenham, DH Tiger Moth
6 GCF, Cranwell, Percival P.28 Proctor I and Miles Mentor

No 21 Group (Basic and Acclimatisation Training), HQ Cranwell
RAF College, Cranwell, DH Tiger Moth and Miles Magister and Miles Master II
CFS (Central Flying School), Cranwell, DH Tiger Moth and Miles Magister and Miles Master I and Airspeed Oxford I
1 SFTS (Service Flying Training School), Netheravon, Miles Master I & II and Hawker Hurricane I
2 SFTS, Lyneham, Airspeed Oxford I & II
5 SFTS, Ternhill, Airspeed Oxford and Miles Master I
7 SFTS, Sutton Bridge, Miles Master I & II and Supermarine Spitfire I
8 SFTS, Weyburn, Miles Master I & II and Miles Magister
10 SFTS, Little Rissington, Miles Master I and Hawker Hurricane I & II
14 SFTS, Kinloss, Airspeed Oxford I and Miles Master I & II
7 GCF, Ternhill, Percival P.28 Proctor I

No 23 Group (Basic and Acclimatisation Training), HQ Hullavington
3 SFTS, South Cerney, Airspeed Oxford I and Hawker Hind and Hawker Hector
6 SFTS, Manston, Miles Master I & II and Miles Magister
9 SFTS, Calveley, Airspeed Oxford I and Hawker Hector and Fairey Battle
11 SFTS, Wittering, Airspeed Oxford I and Bristol Blenheim
12 SFTS, Grantham, Airspeed Oxford I & II and Fairey Battle
ECFS (Empire Central Flying School), Hullavington, Miles Master II and Airspeed Oxford II and DH Tiger Moth and Hawker Hurricane I and Fairey Battle
BATF (Beam Approach Training Flight), Watchfield, Airspeed Oxford II and Miles Master I and Vickers Wellington I
8 GCF, South Cerney, Percival P.28 Proctor I

No 25 Group (Specialist Training), HQ Warmwell
1 FIS (Fighter Instructors School), Upavon, Miles Master I and Spitfire I
Empire Test Pilots School, Odiham, Miles Master II and Airspeed Oxford II
Air Fighting Development Establishment, Duxford, Supermarine Spitfire II and Hawker Tornado F.Mk.I
Central Gunnery School, Warmwell, Airspeed Oxford I and Airspeed Queen Wasp and Vickers Wellington I and Hawker Hurricane II
No.1 AGS (Air Gunnery School), Leconfield, Bristol Blenheim and Airspeed Oxford I and Fairey Battle and Hawker Hurricane I & II
No.2 AGS, Millom, Bristol Blenheim and Airspeed Oxford I
No.3 AGS, Andreas, Fairey Battle and Miles Master I and Hawker Hurricane I & II
No.4 AGS, Bradwell Bay, Bristol Blenheim and Fairey Battle and Hawker Hurricane I
Empire Air Navigation School, Shawbury, Airspeed Oxford I & II
No.1 ANS (Air Navigation School), Andover, Avro Prefect and Miles Magister and Airspeed Oxford I & II
No.2 ANS, Swanton Morley, Airspeed Oxford II and Bristol Blenheim
No.3 ANS, Topcliffe, Airspeed Oxford II and Bristol Blenheim
No.4 ANS, Driffield, Airspeed Oxford II and Miles Magister and Miles Master I

Technical Training Command (No 27 Group), HQ Halton
School of Technical Training, Halton
No.1 Electrical and Wireless School, Cranwell, D.H.89 Dominie (also to receive Percival P.30 Proctor II)
No.2 Electrical and Wireless School, Yatesbury, D.H.89 Dominie (also to receive Percival P.30 Proctor II)
No.3 Electrical and Wireless School, Compton Bassett, (to be formed with Percival P.30 Proctor II)
TTCCF (Technical Training Command Communications Flight), Halton, Percival P.28 Proctor I
RAF Staff College, Andover, DH Tiger Moth and Miles Magister and Miles Mentor


Maintenance Command
7 GCF, Andover, Percival P.28 Proctor I


Royal Aircraft Establishment
RAE, Farnborough, Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.III and Hawker Tornado F.Mk.I and Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.I & IIA and Hawker Tempest I & II and Gloster Gunner F.Mk.II and Westland Welkin and Boulton Paul Nighthawk and Vickers Wellington GR.Mk.VI and DH Mosquito B.Mk.I and Bristol Buckingham and Blackburn B.28 and Bristol Type 159 and Bristol Type 138 and Supermarine Type 323 and Miles M.35 and Flettner Fl-282

A&AEE (Aircraft & Armaments Experimental Establishment), Martlesham Heath, Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.III and Hawker Tornado F.Mk.I and IIA and Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.I and Gloster Reaper and Boulton Paul Nighthawk and Vickers Wellington Mk IIIF and Hawker Henley B.Mk.III and DH Mosquito B.Mk.I [plus for MAEE Fairey Firefly FN.Mk.I and Gloster SS.42

MAEE (Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment), Felixstowe, Blackburn Firebrand and Short Sunderland MR.Mk.IV and Blackburn Boston MR.Mk.I


Middle East Air Force (MEAF)
HQ Cairo

No 61 Group, HQ Deversoir
73 Sqn, Luqa (Malta), Hawker Hurricane II & III
1435 Flt, Luqa, Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.III
217 Sqn, Luqa, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
202 Sqn, Valetta (Malta), Blackburn Boston MR.Mk.I
240 Sqn, Valetta, Supermarine Stranraer
281 Sqn A Flt (Air-Sea Rescue), Valetta, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
6 Sqn, Fayid (Egypt), Hawker Hurricane II (converting to Hawker Tornado F.Mk.1)
4 Sqn, Fayid, Westland Lysander II
90 Sqn, Fayid, Bristol Blenheim
55 Sqn, Fuka (Egypt), Bristol Blenheim
17 Sqn, Deversoir (Egypt), Supermarine Spitfire II
80 Sqn, Deversoir, Supermarine Spitfire II
145 Sqn, Helwan (Egypt), (forming with Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.III)
15 Sqn, Kabrit (Egypt), Hawker Henley I & II
241 Sqn, Alexandria (Egypt), Supermarine Stranraer
22 Sqn, Alexandria, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I
277 Fleet Requirements Sqn, Alexandria, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
281 Sqn B Flt (Air-Sea Rescue), Valetta, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
88 Sqn, El Genina (Egypt), Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I
226 Sqn, El Genina, Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I
1567 Flt (Meteorology), El Genina, Gloster Sea Gladiator
216 Sqn, Almaza (Egypt), Bristol Bermuda
117 Sqn, Cairo West (Egypt), Bristol Bermuda
9 GCF (General Communications Flight) Cairo West, Percival P.28 Proctor I
MECF (Middle East Communications Flight), Heliopolis (Egypt), Percival P.28 Proctor I and Miles Mentor
37 Sqn, Khartoum (Sudan), Vickers Wellington I
1566 Flt (Meteorology), Khartoum, Hawker Hurricane II and Gloster Gladiator
2 FIS (Fighter Instructor School), Deversoir, Airspeed Oxford I and Miles Magister and Hawker Hurricane I
4 SFTS (Service Flying Training School), Abu Sueir, Hawker Hart and Airspeed Oxford
13 SFTS, Deversoir, Miles Master I and Miles Magister
No.5 AGS (Air Gunnery School), Fuka, Airspeed Oxford I and Fairey Battle and Hawker Hurricane I and Gloster Gladiator
No.6 AGS, Almaza, Hawker Hart and Hawker Hector and Fairey Battle and Gloster Gladiator
No.5 ANS (Air Navigation School), Almaza, Airspeed Oxford I & II
No.6 ANS, Kabrit, Airspeed Oxford I and Fairey Battle and Miles Master II

No 62 Group, HQ Habbaniyah
46 Sqn, Habbaniyah (Iraq), Hawker Hurricane II & III
94 Sqn, Habbaniyah, Supermarine Spitfire I (converting to Spitfire F.Mk.III)
30 Sqn, Habbaniyah, Bristol Blenheim
7 ACF (Army Co-Operation Flight), Habbaniyah, Westland Lysander II
14 GCF, Habbaniyah, Percival P.28 Proctor I
1569 Flt (Meteorology), Habbaniyah, Gloster Gladiator and Hawker Hurricane I
148 Sqn, Basrah (Iraq), Vickers Wellesley (converting to Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I)
23 Sqn, Petah Tiqva (Palestine), Hawker Hurricane II
5 Sqn, Ramat David (Palestine), Westland Lysander II
27 Sqn, Ramat David, Westland Lysander II
75 Sqn, Aqir (Palestine), Vickers Wellington II
149 Sqn, Aqir, Vickers Wellington II
84 Sqn, Aqir, Bristol Blenheim
113 Sqn, Lydda (Palestine), Bristol Blenheim
10 GCF, Lydda, Percival P.28 Proctor I
1568 Flt (Meteorology), Lydda, Gloster Gladiator
242 Sqn, Haifa (Palestine), Supermarine Stranraer
RAF Middle East Staff School, Haifa (Palestine), DH Tiger Moth and Miles Magister and Supermarine Spitfire I
60 Sqn, Amman (Transjordan), Westland Lysander II
47 Sqn, Amman, Vickers Wellesley (converting to Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I)

No 63 Group, HQ Muscat
243 Sqn, Bahrain, Supermarine Stranraer
8 ACF, Muscat (Oman), Westland Lysander II
228 Sqn, Muscat, Short Sunderland I
Oman Communications Flight, Muscat, Airspeed AS.6 Envoy
14 Sqn, Khormaksar (Aden), Vickers Wellesley (converting to Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I)
1570 Flt (Meteorology), Khormaksar, Vickers Wellesley
Aden Communications Flight, Khormaksar, DH Dragon Rapide and DH Tiger Moth


Far East Air Force (FEAF)
HQ, Seletar

No 70 Group, HQ Meiktilla
30 Sqn, Meiktilla (Burma), Hawker Hurricane II
3 Sqn, Meiktilla, Hawker Typhoon F.Mk.I
10 ACF (Army Co-Operation Flight), Meiktilla, Westland Lysander II
9 ACF, Mingaladon (Burma), Westland Lysander II
20 GCF(General Communications Flight), Mingaladon, Percival P.28 Proctor I
21 GCF, Mingaladon, Airspeed Consul
247 Sqn, Rangoon (Burma), Supermarine Stranraer
1300 Flt (Meteorology), Rangoon, Hawker Hurricane I
1340 Flt (Insect Control), Pegu (Burma), Hawker Hind and Bristol Blenheim

No 71 Group, HQ Butterworth
267 Sqn, Kallang (Singapore), Bristol Bermuda
271 Sqn, Singapore, Bristol Bermuda
33 Sqn, Seletar (Malaysia), Hawker Hurricane II
11 Sqn, Seletar, Bristol Blenheim
36 Sqn, Seletar, Bristol Blenheim
219 Sqn, Seletar, Short Sunderland I & II
230 Sqn, Seletar, Short Sunderland II
279 Fleet Requirements Sqn, Seletar, Vickers-Supermarine Sea Otter
112 Sqn, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Hawker Hurricane II
54 Sqn, Kuala Lumpur, Supermarine Spitfire I (converting to Spitfire F.Mk.III)
2 Sqn, Kuala Lumpur, Westland Lysander I
15 GCF, Kuala Lumpur, Percival P.28 Proctor I
60 Sqn, Tengah (Malaya), Bristol Blenheim
223 Sqn, Tengah, Vickers Wellesley (converting to Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I)
1301 Flt (Meteorology), Tengah, Vickers Wellesley and Hawker Hurricane I
101 Sqn, Butterworth (Malaya), Vickers Wellington II
166 Sqn, Butterworth, Vickers Wellington III
100 Sqn, Butterworth, Bristol Beaufort GR.Mk.I

No 72 Group, HQ Kuching
12 ACF, Kuching (Sarawak), Westland Lysander II
20 GCF, Kuching, Percival P.28 Proctor I
1302 Flt (Meteorology), Kuching, Vickers Wellesley
244 Sqn, Kundat (Sarawak), Supermarine Stranraer

AHQ Hong Kong
81 Sqn, Kai Tak (Hong Kong), Hawker Hurricane II & III
245 Sqn, Kai Tak, Supermarine Stranraer
11 ACF, Kai Tak, Westland Lysander II


RAF Africa, HQ Deversoir

[B]AHQ East Africa, HQ Eastleigh
45 Sqn, Eastleigh (Kenya), Vickers Wellesley (converting to Fairey Balmoral B.Mk.I)
1671 Flt (Meteorology), Eastleigh, Vickers Wellesley
AL Flt (Anti-Locust), Eastleigh, Hawker Hind and Bristol Blenheim and DH Tiger Moth
270 Sqn, Kpevu (Kenya), (forming with Short Sunderland MR.Mk.III)
Kenyan Air Training Group, Nairobi, DH Tiger Moth and Miles Magister

AHQ West Africa, HQ Lagos
95 Sqn, Lagos (Nigeria), Short Sunderland I
1672 Flt (Meteorology), Ikeja (Nigeria), Vickers Wellesley

AHQ Caribbean, HQ Kingston
6 ACF (Army Co-Operation Flight), Kingston (Jamaica), Westland Lysander II
1673 Flt (Meteorology), Kingston, Vickers Wellesley
758 Sqn Air Observers School, Nassau (Bahamas), Fairey Swordfish and Percival Proctor II and Avro Anson
761 Sqn Air Observers School, Bermuda, Supermarine Stranraer and Supermarine Sea Otter
1674 Flt (Meteorology), Nassau, Vickers Wellesley
246 Sqn, Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Supermarine Stranraer


Fleet Air Arm
HQ Yeovilton

No 50 Group, HQ Machrihanish
802 Sqn, Ayr & HMS Ark Royal, Gloster Gannet
804 Sqn, Yeovilton, Fairey Firefly FN.Mk.I
805 Sqn, Machrihanish & HMS Majestic, Gloster Gannet
806 Sqn, Machrihanish & HMS Ark Royal, Gloster Gannet
807 Sqn, Nutts Corner & HMS Majestic, Gloster Gannet
880 Sqn, Burscough & HMS Ocean, Gloster Gannet
881 Sqn, Burscough & HMS Ocean, Gloster Gannet
882 Sqn, Machrihanish & HMS Theseus, Gloster Gannet
883 Sqn, Machrihanish & HMS Theseus, Gloster Gannet
885 Sqn, Nutts Corner, (forming on Fairey Firefly FN.Mk.I)
886 Sqn, Nutts Corner, (forming on Fairey Firefly FN.Mk.I)
887 Sqn, Yeovilton, (forming on Fairey Firefly FN.Mk.I)
888 Sqn, Yeovilton, (forming on Fairey Firefly FN.Mk.I)
811 Sqn, Ayr & HMS Ark Royal, Fairey Swordfish (converting to Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I)
832 Sqn, Ayr & HMS Ark Royal, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
833 Sqn, Rattray & HMS Ark Royal, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
834 Sqn, Fearn & HMS Majestic, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
835 Sqn, Fearn & HMS Majestic, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
836 Sqn, Fearn & HMS Majestic, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
850 Sqn, Eglinton & HMS Ocean, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
851 Sqn, Eglinton & HMS Ocean, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
852 Sqn, Ford & HMS Theseus, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
853 Sqn, Ford & HMS Theseus, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
854 Sqn, Ford, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
855 Sqn, Eglinton, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
856 Sqn, Rattray, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
857 Sqn, Gosport, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
858 Sqn, Gosport, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
799 Sqn NAFS (Naval Advanced Flying School), Henstridge, Miles Master I and Gloster Sea Gladiator and Gloster Gannet and Fairey Swordfish
758 Sqn (No.1 Instrument Training Flight), Eglinton, Airspeed Oxford II and Miles Master I
767 Sqn (Deck Landing Training School), East Haven, Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Barracuda and Gloster Gannet and Gloster Skipper FSN.Mk.I
709 Sqn NAAS (Naval Air Armaments School), St Merryn, Fairey Swordfish and Gloster Skipper FSN.Mk.II
766 Sqn (No.1 Naval OTU), Inskip, Miles Master I and Gloster Gannet
785 Sqn (No.2 Naval OTU, Crail, Avro Anson and Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Barracuda
717 Sqn (TBR Course), Ford, Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I
750 Sqn (Observer School), Rattray, Fairey Swordfish
701 Sqn FAA GCF (General Communications Flight), Yeovilton, Percival P.28 Proctor I and Airspeed AS.6 Envoy and Fairey Swordfish
No.1 NTTU (Naval Target Towing Unit), Tain, Fairey Swordfish

No 51 Group, HQ Alexandria
800 Sqn, Hal Far & HMS Swiftsure, Gloster Gannet
810 Sqn, Alexandria & HMS Swiftsure, Gloster Gannet
812 Sqn, Hal Far & HMS Bulwark, Gloster Gannet
820 Sqn, Hal Far & HMS Swiftsure, Fairey Swordfish
822 Sqn, Hal Far & HMS Swiftsure, Fairey Swordfish
821 Sqn, Kasfareet (Egypt) & HMS Swiftsure, Fairey Swordfish
823 Sqn, Kasfareet (Egypt) & HMS Bulwark, Fairey Swordfish (converting to Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I)
824 Sqn, Alexandria & HMS Bulwark, Fairey Swordfish (converting to Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I)
825 Sqn, Alexandria & HMS Bulwark, Fairey Swordfish (converting to Fairey Barracuda TBR.Mk.I)
794 Sqn (No.1 Naval Air Gunnery School), Hal Far, Gloster Sea Gladiator and Gloster Gannet and Fairey Swordfish
No.2 NTTU (Naval Target Towing Unit), Hal Far, Fairey Swordfish
No.4 NTTU (Naval Target Towing Unit), Alexandria, Fairey Swordfish

No 52 Group, HQ Sembawang
801 Sqn, Sembawang (Malaya) & HMS Eagle, Gloster Skipper FSN.Mk.I
803 Sqn, Sembawang & HMS Eagle, Gloster Skipper FSN.Mk.I
813 Sqn, Kasfareet (Egypt) & HMS Bulwark, Gloster Gannet (converting to Fairey Firefly FN.Mk.I)
814 Sqn, Sembawang & HMS Warrior, Gloster Gannet
815 Sqn, Sembawang & HMS Warrior, Gloster Gannet
817 Sqn, Sembawang & HMS Eagle, Gloster Skipper FSN.Mk.I
826 Sqn, Changi (Malaya) & HMS Warrior, Fairey Swordfish
827 Sqn, Changi & HMS Warrior, Fairey Swordfish
828 Sqn, Changi & HMS Warrior, Fairey Swordfish
829 Sqn, Sembawang (& HMS Warrior, Gloster Skipper FSN.Mk.II
830 Sqn, Sembawang & HMS Warrior, Gloster Skipper FSN.Mk.II
831 Sqn, Sembawang & HMS Warrior, Gloster Skipper FSN.Mk.II
757 Sqn (No.2 Instrument Training Flight), Sembawang, Fairey Swordfish
1305 Flt (Meteorology), Sembawang, Fairey Swordfish and Gloster Sea Gladiator
Sembawang CCF, Sembawang, Percival Proctor I and DH Tiger Moth and Fairey Swordfish
No.3 NTTU (Naval Target Towing Unit), Changi, Fairey Swordfish

Is there an overall number of the aircrafts ????

No but you can assume each squadron has 12-15 aircraft, each flight has around 6 and the training schools etc will have much higher numbers.

I figure the RAF would be the world's largest air force at present in WW or not far from it and certainly the only one with global reach.

I feel better knowing what I have where and knowing others know what I have where. Of course the RAuxAF units would be used to reinforce overseas units in time of war and there is flexilbility.

Also the RAF is switching desigations from just Wellington I, Hurricane II etc to role designators like Wellington B.Mk.I and Hurricane F.Mk.II etc.

Here is a list of the designators;

AS = Anti-Submarine
ASR = Air Search and Rescue
B = Bomber
C = Communications/ Transport
F = Fighter
FB = Fighter-Bomber
FN = Fighter Naval
FR = Fighter Reconnaissance
FRN = Fighter Reconnaissance Naval
FSN = Fighter Strike Naval
GR = General Reconnaissance
MR = Maritime Reconnaissance
Met = Meteorological Reconnaissance
NF = Night Fighter
PR = Photo-Reconnaissance
RR = Radio-Reconnaissance
T = Trainer
TT = Target Tug
TBR = Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance
TX = Training Glider
U = Drone

Quoted

Originally posted by Hood
Also the RAF is switching desigations from just Wellington I, Hurricane II etc to role designators like Wellington B.Mk.I and Hurricane F.Mk.II etc.

Hee, and right after I finished putting together a shiny new designation system for the FACh.

James - you simply have too much time on your hands!^^

F.9/40: Issued for a high-speed twin-engined fighter powered by two engines, armament to be four 20mm cannon.

F.11/40: Issued to Vickers-Supermarine for development of the Spitfire Mk IV powered by a RR Merlin VII with a new two-stage two-speed supercharger but otherwise similar to the Mk III, to enter service in 1941.

F.12/40: Issued to DH to cover DH Hornet private venture single-seat twin-engined long-range fighter designed for service in the Far East. Based heavily on the Mosquito with wooden monocoque fuselage, very sleek finish, powered by twin 2,375hp RR Griffon II engines with leading-edge radiators, below the cockpit is the armament of four 20mm cannon. Racks under the wings can carry four 500lb bombs or two 1,000lb. Estimated performance is 472mph at 22,000ft; service ceiling 37,500ft and range 1,500 miles with two 100gal external tanks (540gal internal fuel); maximum take-off weight 21,000lbs.

N.7/40: A Fairey Firefly replacement carrier-fighter armed with four 20mm cannon and with reduced fuel load to lower weight and increase speed and manoeuvrability.
Contenders are;
Boulton Paul P.103, is powered by either the Griffon or Centaurus with an all-round canopy and contra-rotating ‘dive-brake’ propellers, shortening undercarriage, 160gal internal fuel and folded width of 13ft 10ins. The design also features automatic elevator trim control tabs and an American style ‘sting’ arrestor hook. The estimated maximum speed is 365mph at sea level, the Griffon achieving 462mph at 28,000ft and the Centaurus 435mph at 23,000ft.

Fairey offered an improved Firefly with the Griffon II engine and some minor radiator changes to cut drag.

Gloster on behalf of Hawker as Hawker Siddeley’s naval design team has offered the ‘Sea Typhoon,’ basically a Typhoon with larger folding wings, stronger undercarriage legs, arrestor hook and a fuel capacity of 264 gallons. Armament would be four 20mm cannon.

Supermarine has offered a Griffon powered fighter with elliptical wings based on the Spitfire but with a new inward retracting undercarriage, taller fin with arrestor hook, bubble canopy and new radiators.
The winner is ?

S.11/40: A Fairey Barracuda replacement torpedo bomber/ reconnaissance aircraft. It must have a crew of three but two acceptable, maximum all-up weight 24,000lbs, overall length 46ft maximum, a maximum speed of 300-350mph, range around 900-1500 nm according to fuel load and armament should comprise one twin 0.5in remote turret and two wing-mounted 20mm cannon and an internal bay for one 21in torpedo or a 1,600lbs AP bomb or a similar weight of smaller bombs.
Contenders are;
Blackburn B.47, a two-seat design powered by a Napier Sabre and armed with a remote-control twin .50in MG dorsal turret, two wing 20mm cannon, ventral radiator and semi-recessed torpedo or 1,600lb bomb under fuselage and smaller bombs under wings with provision for ASR scanner in starboard wing.

Fairey has offered a variant of the Barracuda with a Napier Sabre or P.24 Monarch with chin radiator, two crewmen seating in tandem, one dorsal manual MG, two wing 20mm cannon and a 3,000lb turbojet in the rear fuselage with intakes just beneath the wings and a tailpipe exhaust and new full-span flaps are fitted to the wings. 250lb bombs can be carried underwing in addition to the bomb bay loads. Fairey also offered a new design powered by a Centaurus radial and armed with one remote dorsal twin 0.5in MG turret and two more in the wings, internal bomb bay for weapons (requires cranked wing spars), two external 1,000lb racks underwing, one or two crew in rear fuselage with flush glazing and pilot in raised cockpit with all-round visibility. Service ceiling 24,000ft and should reach 10,000ft in 6.45 minutes and maximum speed 300mph at 13,000ft.

Gloster has offered the SS.43 developed from the SS.42 variable-incidence wing research aircraft that is yet to fly. It uses an identical high mounted variable-incidence wing with movement ranges between -1 and +14 degrees and leading-edge slots and Fowler trailing-edge flaps for maximum lift. The engine is a 2,300hp Napier Sabre III for a maximum speed of 290mph and all-up weight is estimated at 19,500lbs. Two crewmen will be carried and a ventral bomb bay will hold either one torpedo or 2,000lbs of bombs with bomb racks underwing for up to four 500lb bombs. A remote twin .50in MG dorsal turret s also fitted.

Westland has offered a very similar design to the Fairey Barracuda with a Napier Sabre, a mid-mounted wing with double fold requiring two-section flaps, a ventral bomb bay for torpedo and bombs up to 3,500lbs, no wing armament but ASV pod on port wing leading edge and internal fuel load is 400gal. Speed estimated 265mph at 10,000ft.
The winner is?

E.1/40: Issued to Miles to cover tandem wing research project (M.39) for a fast bomber. The E1./40 is based on the Libellula layout with canard foreplanes and a swept mainplane with end fins. George Miles developed a big twin-Merlin powered bomber and proposed a five-eighths scale model, the M.39B which the Air Ministry has funded alongside the M.35 to further tandem wing research. The pilot and co-pilot are in the extreme nose with the canard mounted below and the 37ft 6in span high-mounted wing at the extreme rear with end fins and carrying two 140hp DH Gipsy Major IC engines. Retractable undercarriage is fitted and an additional single fin. Length is 22ft 2in and maximum speed 164 mph. First flown on 22 July 1941 and proved very successful.

Quoted

Originally posted by Hood
F.9/40: Issued for a high-speed twin-engined fighter powered by two engines, armament to be four 20mm cannon.

S.11/40: A Fairey Barracuda replacement torpedo bomber/ reconnaissance aircraft. It must have a crew of three but two acceptable, maximum all-up weight 24,000lbs, overall length 46ft maximum, a maximum speed of 300-350mph, range around 900-1500 nm according to fuel load and armament should comprise one twin 0.5in remote turret and two wing-mounted 20mm cannon and an internal bay for one 21in torpedo or a 1,600lbs AP bomb or a similar weight of smaller bombs.
Contenders are;
Blackburn B.47, a two-seat design powered by a Napier Sabre and armed with a remote-control twin .50in MG dorsal turret, two wing 20mm cannon, ventral radiator and semi-recessed torpedo or 1,600lb bomb under fuselage and smaller bombs under wings with provision for ASR scanner in starboard wing.

Fairey has offered a variant of the Barracuda with a Napier Sabre or P.24 Monarch with chin radiator, two crewmen seating in tandem, one dorsal manual MG, two wing 20mm cannon and a 3,000lb turbojet in the rear fuselage with intakes just beneath the wings and a tailpipe exhaust and new full-span flaps are fitted to the wings. 250lb bombs can be carried underwing in addition to the bomb bay loads. Fairey also offered a new design powered by a Centaurus radial and armed with one remote dorsal twin 0.5in MG turret and two more in the wings, internal bomb bay for weapons (requires cranked wing spars), two external 1,000lb racks underwing, one or two crew in rear fuselage with flush glazing and pilot in raised cockpit with all-round visibility. Service ceiling 24,000ft and should reach 10,000ft in 6.45 minutes and maximum speed 300mph at 13,000ft.

Gloster has offered the SS.43 developed from the SS.42 variable-incidence wing research aircraft that is yet to fly. It uses an identical high mounted variable-incidence wing with movement ranges between -1 and +14 degrees and leading-edge slots and Fowler trailing-edge flaps for maximum lift. The engine is a 2,300hp Napier Sabre III for a maximum speed of 290mph and all-up weight is estimated at 19,500lbs. Two crewmen will be carried and a ventral bomb bay will hold either one torpedo or 2,000lbs of bombs with bomb racks underwing for up to four 500lb bombs. A remote twin .50in MG dorsal turret s also fitted.

Westland has offered a very similar design to the Fairey Barracuda with a Napier Sabre, a mid-mounted wing with double fold requiring two-section flaps, a ventral bomb bay for torpedo and bombs up to 3,500lbs, no wing armament but ASV pod on port wing leading edge and internal fuel load is 400gal. Speed estimated 265mph at 10,000ft.
The winner is?

Heh, well, Focke-Wulf will offer (with little hope of success) the Fw-187C for F9/40. The aircraft is already in production and service with the Luftwaffe, and was Fluglieutenant Oesau's mount at the recent Talons' '39 event. Engines in the same weight-class as the DB-601EM could be mounted in place of the DB-601s if desired, and the Luftwaffe-standard MG-201s and MG-111s replaced with cannon of the RAFs choice.


21" torpedoes? UK historical standard airborne torp was an 18" torpedo, with weights ranging from 700 to 850 kg.

The OTL requirement it is based on requested 21in torpedo in a bomb bay. Of course the Air Ministry accepts 18in is more likely but they are looking ahead with some very interesting concepts in the pipeline.

I wasn't sure about the Hornet if I really needed it in WW but it looks so good and is so sleek and beautiful I just couldn't ignore it. Will give my Far Eastern fighter sqaudrons a fair boost too. Too early to say if the Sea Hornet will be built though.

The problem is that a 21" torpedo will probably be heavier than 1600 pounds, unless it's a rather short weapon like the US Mk 13.

N.7/40 Results

The Chief Naval Representative to the Air Ministry felt that Boulton Paul’s design was perhaps too advanced with some unusual features and the firm had no prior experience of naval aircraft. Gloster’s design was thought poor compared to earlier fighter designs and the CNR doubted if 25% of Typhoon parts would be shared with the Sea Typhoon. Also the type lacks manoeuvrability for fighter combat and has a high stalling speed and the view for landing would be poor. Also the size of the fighter would be an issue below decks. The Fairey Firefly Mk.2 was assured a production run because of its promised improvements over the already successful Mk.1. That left Supermarine as the sole new design left and the CNR was impressed by the sleek new fighter which shared an ancestry with the Spitfire but overall was stronger and more suited to shipboard use.

The winner is Supermarine, first flight planned for mid 1942, 200 on order. [Dimensions; 36.11/ 34.4/ 12.9/ 243.6 sq ft; 1x 2,035hp RR Griffon VI; max speed 452mph at 20,500ft; range 940 miles with external fuel and service ceiling 43,100ft]
Plus Fairey Firefly Mk II ordered to keep production line open.


S.11/40 Results

The CNR felt both Fairey projects had merit but the full-span flaps were experimental which were to be power controlled for lateral control. Further tests would be needed and the use of an untried technology such as a turbojet was premature in the eyes of the Admiralty and a serious technological risk. Also it was felt the Barracuda had come to the end of its development life. The CNR felt the second Fairey design might be underpowered but hoped that further improvements in the Centaurus would cure that and perhaps allow for a 30mph increase later on when carrying a 1,800lb torpedo at 20,000lbs all-up weight. Blackburn’s B.47 was rejected for not having a bomb bay and for the exposed ventral radiator under the gunner’s compartment which would be vulnerable to damage. Gloster’s design was technically very good but the variable-incidence wing was as yet unproven and generally he felt that the Gloster team had underestimated the weights and that the performance was too low. Westland’s design was rejected for being too conservative and offering little improvement over the Barracuda. The CNR wryly noted the current lack of an existing remote-controlled turret and even the lack of a 0.5in machine gun in production in Britain. Vickers has offered the 0.661in HMG as an air-cooled machine gun.

The winner is; Fairey Design Two