BARRACUD Factory fresh Barracuda 1 P9659 it lew on 31 ‘hotograph was taken By Sem Mossley. (Charen E Brown)Fairey BARE [ Byw. A. HARRISON | istorically esi Barracuda was ‘one ofthe most controversial aircraft Lof World War 2. Protagonists state ihat it was ugly, underpowered, lacked pe formance, it broke up in mid-air, coulda’ pull out of a dive, pilots and their crews hated it ‘After four decades of talking to ex- Barracuda aircrew the author has yet to find ‘one that actually hated the aeroplane, oF had any misgivings about flying them, indoo many appreciated isu tional capabilites, Its uglyness if that isthe right word, is in the eyes ofthe beholder and ‘many wartime aircraft designed to do a5 role looked no better. If it appeared ungainly on the ground, and with everything folded it looked as if it had been in an acl ‘dent, its appearance inthe air was no worse than’ many other wartime combat aircraf. Prototype Barracuda P1767 at Boscombe Down {Crown Copyright) There were also many who felt that the Barracuda was better for the task than the American-supplied Grumman Avenger. Any in-service shortcomings were overcome gradually by progressive modifications s0 that early problems were eliminated, Pilots brought through flying training on rmonoplanes, instead of biplanes, had no problem when introduced to the Barracuda, In fact as early as June 1943 the Ministry had identified the basic problem ~ incorrect handling ofthe aireaft and engine by pilots AGUDA ‘Above: A close up of the underside and nose area of Barracuda Mk! PB976 during trae with sere exaust manor, Own wore was the weathering on the Ieaaing edge ofthe mings. (Crown Copyright) Unfortunately the aireraft suffered bad press, and the stigma attached to it was carried on by later generations who knew even less about the problems and how they were over. ‘come. This brief history attempts to set the record straight and show thatthe Barracuda was in facta valuable strike aircraft FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 1Although the Barracuda had its gestation from plans and ideas in the mid-thinies, it was a logical progression of the naval cari er aircraft known as the TSR - Torpedo: Spotter Reconnaissance, The Admiralty had ordered the Swordfish TSR, and its succes: sor the Albacore, and now informed the Ai ; Ministry, who looked after ordering all serv- fice aeroplanes, that it would ‘Torpedo-Bomber-Reconnaissan monoplane to replace the as y Albacore. That was on 29 May 1937 and falter proiracted negotiations agreed on a Specification ~ $.24/37, which was sent out to the aircraft industry in October of that en airframe manufacturers snd four ‘aero-engine companies were informed and a full specification was issued to them on 6 January 1938, Six companies tendered ‘designs with five being turned down ~ the most suitable design being from the Fairey Aviation Co. However, the urgent need for the new strike aircraft resulted in large orders which was beyond the capabilities of the Fairey factories, already involved in cother production lines and new aircraft Consequently it was decided to farm out production to other airraft factories with Jess commitments. Known asthe Barracuda Group this resulted in orders being placed with Blackburn Aircraft, already building ‘Swordfish, Boulton Paul, where Defiant pro duction was tailing off, and Westland, who, after starting production left the Barracuda Group in 1943 to build S persue its own designs. All aspects of production in the Barracuda Group, such as production scheduling, tooling ete, was conducted by The design called for a shoulder-wing oplane powered by a Rolls-Royce “X' out sleeve-valve high-pressure air-cooled Above and below:Barracuda Mk P9659 out on a photographic sorte for Charles € Brown in in-line eng orporating 2 retracting November 1842 Noteworthy are the revised shape carburettor air intakes witha gril ever the front. undercatriage. Consideration had been given ‘The shape near each wingtips pulldown ral fo facltata ground handling by maintenance rt- to one or two other designs, but in the event ings. The wing fence was to prevent disturbed allow from bombs and carters Interfering with Ailoron control (Charis € Brown va Tony Butler) Fairey remained the only contender. PAGE 2. FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINTFairey Barracuda camouflage and markings Drawings by David Howley Wile low Ruta! onal Rad Pr hay Per Geen Par Amini EereDak Duk Sate Raven Bor suet Be a Fey Sarracuda prototype P1767 at sopearean 1 P9789.62V of 786 Squadron sal HAS Gri roomy 1908 Barracuda Mk P9857. of 822 Stone FAA. boson southern na Fairey Barracuda Mk LS8s0:4A of 29 Exiiton FAA on boara ks vena racuda Mi PQO78L1Y of 708 ‘Stuateon, FAA, Bete af RNAS Loe ‘Slent' une ios AIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE @Fairey Barracuda Mil S689:°26 of 714 Squadron, FAA | Based at NAS Few n September 1044 | Felrey Barracuda Mill LSES7:2, AAAEE, Boscombe Bowe intanewe Fag Dovslopmert Fight ile To Falrey Barracuda Mkt, possibiy t8d act 820 Souacron: PAA Toad In September 1938 they were asked to pro- vide two prototypes, PI67 and PI770. ‘The Specification called for an aircraft capable Of operating from shore bases, earier decks and, if required, as a floatplane. The latter was aimed at the cruisers. and battleships hich had been fited with heavy catapults. Although the requirement for a Barracuda floatplane was in the Specification, by the time the aireraft entered service the need had disappeared. Between June and August 1940 Water tank tests were made using scaled down versions of the Albacore’s floats. Trials showed that initially the floats were ‘dity” and water fowled the propeller, a ener tee roteces ae bea oan secon Barracuda P1770 which was manutactred withthe revised tilane the tailplane (stil in the low postion). — {Syeut ane weet hew or ao Jone Aa4% In al ther eepecte Ras the same ae PITOT. Resse shosstod Further refinements led to an acceptable {ee TRE a Deford” whare ft erved orn T802 to 1845 on ASW Mui deefopment. fan ure) float profilefposion but by then it wasn't Slow: Baracuda | PBOSS was ult Fareys Heston Chapel were in Stecpor Ara wert eee ” ‘moved to ingway for fia annem andes fying. This photograph was taken Octobe 042 ond Basic design of the new aircraft included a “ows the wing fences and torpedo crutches. (Authors collection) wingspan of 50 fet, reducing to 18 ft when Folded tength of 37 ands height of 14 1 Sin with the tal down, A maximum sped suprisingly of only 183 knots (239 kin) arated aliude at a max all-p-veight (AUW) of 10001, An endurance of six hours eight hours with extra fuel) at 120 Knots (123k) at 2,000 ft. An aomatic pilo was required for long endurance flying Radius of ation was tobe not less than 230, niles at 180 mph a 6000 ft. Tactially tad to carry 4 1,500 Tb torpedo or bomb Joad, Tchad to beable to divest 70 degrees forthe dive bombing role ~and it was sg. ested flips shold provide stability in the five and recovery, Defensively, it was 0 PAGE 4 FAIEY BARRAGUOK.WARPART aeBarracudas galore! Three production tines, at Heaton Chapel, above, showing the solid centre Section fo which tho winge were attached lan Honey and below, the Blackburn production line a Brough. Fer identification purposes, until ‘camouflaged, the sera serial number wae Painted onthe rear fuselage by han, Once nal- by spray painta tho serial was stnetld on next {6 the words Royal Navy. (BAE) have a puny single fixed forward-fiing machine gun and one (later changed to two) for the Telegraphist Air Gunner (TAG) in the rear cockpit. Appropriate radio and naviga- tion equipment was tobe fited in a spacious observers (FAA navigators were known as ‘observers) position. The observer also had the advantage of bulged transparencies ‘below the wing root t0 allow downwards Vision for taking bearings. The etew we bbe housed under a continuous transparent canopy with separate access to three crew positions. At one stage there were plans to installa four-gun turret in the TAG position ‘but this was shorc-lived. The engine was to be the new Rolls-Royce Boreas (also incor. rectly known as the Exe/X). “The Fairey design office had already been working on a low-wing twin-engined mono- plane of all-metal monocoque structure housing a crew of two. Its major feature was a high-speed wing fitted with an early ver sion of the Fairey-Youngman flap. Alternative powerplants were looked at, apart from the Boreas, the Rolls-Royce yu “FUEL! 1 aE ., Napier Sabre and Fairey's own engines, the P.16 and the more powerful P.24 were all assessed, ‘The wing and flap system were rejected by the Air Ministry sayit were 100 large for carrier wing folding operations, ‘The wing trailing edge bulges that would hhave housed the flap linkage and provided completely flush system was also vetoed, ‘The Air Ministry, with a number of naval aireraft specifications in the pipeline, sug ested one aeroplane that could do every thing, that i, torpedo attack, dive bombing, spotter and reconnaissance roles without thought of all the equipment that a multi-role reaft would have to carry —and operate, at higher AUWs from carrier decks. It was con sidered by the design office that powered by ‘owin P24 and the flap system, the new air craft could just about manage. However, the Ministry didnot like the idea of twin engine aireraft operating from carriers and reverted to a single-engined aircraft, and issued Specification $.24/37, ‘The first problem was the withdrawal of any Ministry suppor forthe P24 engine and offered the Sabre ~ already in trouble itself. In September 1939 Rolls-Royce announced that they were not continuing with the devel: ‘opment of the Boreas and it would not be available. Fairey were forced to redesign the Barracuda Mk. LS789 lsplaying the long crew compartment and the large fp area, (Grown Copyright) FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGES‘Once finished inthe assembly shops the aircraft was pushed out and the engine ground run It this head-on shot the Baracids wing postions, Uundercarage and flaps are. shown to. good tffect (BAB) Whole aircraft to meet the new specification and Marcel Lobelle, Fairey’s chief designer atthat time, came up with s low-sving mono- plane but not dissimilar to the final shape ‘The Ministry were insisting on the 1,260 hp Merlin 30, as the new powerplant — almost half the original power available from the 24 or Sabre ‘They had suggested the Bristol Taurus and Wright Cyclone, both air-cooled engines, bbut neither used 100-octane fuel and it ‘would have meant radical re-design forward ofthe firewall. To meet all the requiren by the Ministry the wing had t0 go to a shoulder position for Centre of Gravity (CG) reasons. With the low wing the CG was so critical that when all the equipment was fit- ted it would have moved out of the safe ‘operating envelope. To retain it would mea ‘moving the wing leading edge forward, rob- bing the pilot of a good view so necessary for deck landing. The undercarriage had to 'be designed tobe fully retractable and atthe ime allow for wing folding. ‘The tailplane was very much based on that, of the Albacore. Lobelle's design was to say ‘the least quite brilliant in that he managed to incorporate the Ministry's requi aan aeroplane overweight and under-pow- ‘ered, That it flew throughout the war fulfil- ing all the roles required of it, and not only from fleet cartirs but escort carriers as well, ‘says much for the ingenuity of Lobelle and his design staff at Hayes. Despite the problems mentioned above the Air Ministry had seen the potential of the acuda and during August 1939 placed large orders ‘straight off the drawing boar! ‘Two prototypes were ordered but their con. struction was reduced to a low ebb daring the summer of 1940 when all efforts were Barracuda i P9667, the ist production Ml a 1240 dogree ave when th flaps would be sat 2 negative Incidence to give masimum drag, (la Tony Butter PAGE 6 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT towards the aireraft types necessary to fight the invading Luftwatfe CONSTRUCTION ‘The final outcome was the Barract Ul and V ~all being ‘monoplanes designed for dive-bombing, to pedo-carrying and reconnaissance duties. The Mk. was powered hy the Merlin 30 With « dhree-blade variable-pitch propeller and constant speed unit, while the Mk.II and UL had the Merlin 32 witha four blade pro peller. The Barracuda V was powered by the Griffon VII of 37. The engine mounting and framework of the pilot's cockpit and rear bay of the fuse lage were made of tubular steel, the re der ofthe fuselage being of monocoque cor struction, centre-section was built on 10 the fuselage to form stub planes with joints to receive the wings. The erew’s cockpit area was housed under continuous hooding with moveable portions to allow access. Tip hoods at the navigator's and gunnet’s post- tions also aeted as windshields or the slightly more observant reader some aircraft show triangular wind deflector panels each side ofthe pilot's windsereen for when he wanted to fly wih the canopy ope deleted under _modS49 so they are not shown on all Footsteps. were provided on the port side ofthe fuselage for both cockpits. The wings were wo-spar stressed skin structure housing the fel tanks and undercarriage, Before each outer wing Section could be folded back the trailing ‘edge carrying the flaps had to be folded up and over 1o rest on a buffer stalk extending above the surface of the wing. Alhou hydraulically operated they could be moved ‘manually. To lock the outer wing ina foldedposition a locking plunger was fitted above each wing surface near the tip, this engaged a catch on the leading edge of the tailplane ‘The flaps were mounted on outriggers built into the trailing edge of the outer wing and could be set at postive incidence for take- off and landing, or at negative incidence for Right: 8V700 a Barracuda bulk by Btackbuen ‘Up on fight test. This has the sarller type ‘exhaust manifold (BAE) Below: An almost lon ‘ical view, buta diferent machine. A later Pro- luton craft MOSOS displaying the change in ‘xhaust manifold Abianking pate covers were {he previous type of exhaust pipe ran down the ‘cowling. Noticeable on the rear fuselage Te the ‘write lanyard forthe M-type ginghy which auto- ‘matically released and inated on entering the water (BAE) diving. A hydraulically operated retractable undercarriage consisting ofa torsion box, & hydraulically operated toggle strut for secur- the undercarriage in the lowered position and a oleo-pneumatic shock-absorber strut, ‘A single hydraulic jack retracted the units ‘upward and inward ‘Catapult spools were fitted inthe Fuselage and a standatd V-frame deck lan ‘The location ofthe ASH radar nacalle under the port wing on L878. (Crown Copyright). hook was fitted under the ear fuselage ‘The flying controls were of the push-pull rod type. Bomb racks were provided under ‘each wing and torpedo crutches under the forward fuselage, although light series bomb ‘carriers could also be carried in tandem in this position. Other naval weapons such as FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 7mines and smoke floats were interestingly, the torpedo and t consisted of a black stencilled the inside of the pilots wind: screen which was inline with a ring sight on the fuselage justin front ofthe pilots wind screen. This could be adjusted for either tor pedo or bomb attacks Provision was made for RATOG which consisted of two motors, one above th other, mounted under the wings at an angle and jettisoned by the pilot after use. On the MK.V, mod 685 introduced an enlarged fin and rudder area to compensate for the extra power from the Griffon engine. DEVELOPMENT Due to the inherent problems associated with its gestation the Barracuda was “contin uously under development” during the war ‘Aight of sb Barracudas out ona training Might ‘The torpedoes on the fie three machines have artals although hardly discernable the areraft any individual code laters ~the fist and hid Delng A and B respectively (WM) ‘Above: tusra fntry or he could clmb in using a footwol the tarboard eld - or use the blister window Lot Barracude It P9682 carying a practice tor: pedo. Dummny torpedoes, lumps of concrete ‘weighing 1,800 Tbe, were sometimes used to {8 the right oon Waning with problems being fixed by modification as they appeared. There was, at one time, ‘campaign by certain Members of Parliament to get the programme cancelled, comm sease prevailed and the orders continued to flow in. One problem was the Admiralty's insistance on trying to ft as mach equiFairey Barracuda production list Contractor -FareyAvaton Ca. Heion Chapel, Sokgont Variant Serial ange Numbers Contract No Vrtant "Serial ange” himbere Contract Wo, Yeen Risserosee GS Proonpes Prevent e Frroores 90129 Tan fussrrusse Ton” pooaeocee 28 Hiigissa0 Wes9 TRI fueSeRoNer 8 Test Pweeromot Bs je Rurzorures 8 Tent pesos + TERN Perereoes 50 onrstor Souton Pau Arr, Walvernampln. Teri Fooeremt Sonn" “osessorson "eo 0 Tea Fomseme 8 Ter Besiropess 99 TR Poesrpowes = 0 Te Dever ope 33 TeRI reworen 18 soses000199 19839 TAR Drrieonies 3D Tori Sressorees TRI OriopRa 48 Teri Srereores? 10 TeRI Drasronars 4 teieetssos 3 aco TORI Brastonses 48 | tssroissss Xe Tet Mostiwbess 49 tssseisses 28 Teri MoereMoeae 49 tseoctsess fe Teri Monewooee 4 tseestsris 4 Ten! Mewotwers2 4 | tsrasisres 38 Tort MeloeMenio 48 | iSreiseo TRI MezeMerd 48 sesisere te Tari Mezeamens 42 tsecrisees fe TORI Ruveoruros 47 Ac 4066 for 200 aera tsawisoe 28 Term Roars 5} bum 204 cance Puccsourss mmo Achzon = Tam Rneoisee “a Pursues TRI River Roo 3 Purespuess Term Revoakiss 4 Puesaeuesr 4 Team mremais 43 Puorapuess 36 Team Rrasena0o Pusropusee = 30 Term Reames Punsentee 50 % Toni Seose sonra 200 pcraoos 12446 ramences Soo Acnaory Tent Seeer-szrze ‘cance frosannaes 7 Term Sznaszrer Fectneast a1 coun Term S2oor seme Raaezanszs 48 Ton Szanzszmes = t Reson = 13 20 out TRI Szongszost 4 Rasssassr 3 ‘fo Canceled TRV Swoewmar — &2‘SoAcMSoN6 24148 rotonnoss iG TRY Twowrwesr—1@Alcncnled Resor 35 TRY Viworunoos —be‘Sonenassa 9745 Rersakres 5D Rv Vivonwnerr fe Atanas Teerens 5 Acnar75 91.10.48 Tenors 5 Av cancate. Contractor. Westend Ara, Yoo Wiresvires is ‘Doacweezsa745 fart" oneasoness soy Tey Viwosmioes ‘Mtcanoled Tori Dwesobwetg —19——_‘febom-732 canceled TeRY Vioetviens 8 Ter Dweteovecs 7 | Tent Dweseowre 8 Contractor actu Ara, Brough jer BwrseDweos 0 Sean "sveooavrar as 250 TORI BhaEDNsre 8 Bveaves 45 TOR BheoroNaes 30 svecavee a7 Tae Dwwerowee Svewrevess 30 Jon RMerennoee = Macazsr9 24 Sveccaves 3s Svorsvest is “nerd to Blac ad anced Mooramoece ig 180 Nosreorss So Morsewor Morawosr 18 toessinore wes tiers ie toesermese ie Production summary Moores 38 Forey a a 25. pus wo protayes toreranes a ml ers txazonnese me 0 foxsrrvocsar 31 ty SO Suton 1102 Nxooeosz 18 Cancale acum bt 700 700. fixaasvses = 49 Gancaed SanonPau Ml 00 Pioiopes) “2 ‘Replacement aera th 382 one Rieervim «3 SOOARDSTT TO). Westand ct : Ruger 7 tobe butt Shor, fit 818 Racers 4, Arcana rand ttal 2802 PAGE 10 FAIREY BARRACUDA18s possible into the airframe, including more hydraulic. pumps, electrical generators, radios, radar and batteries than any other naval Single-engined aireraft, and stay with the specification limits! In December 1939 the first Merlin 30 to be delivered to Hayes was used in the Barracuda mock-up for installation trials. At that time the first fight ofthe prototype was planned for June 1940, with the second about a month later, but, as we have seen, things were delayed until later inthe year. It was 7 December 1940 before the frst proto- type, P1767, made its maiden flight from Fairey’s Great West Aerodrome (GWA) at Heathrow. Intensive flying revealed a num ber of problems, including CG limitations after the Merlin’ 30 replaced the planned Boreas engine. It was found that when the flaps were used as ar brakes it erated a tur- bulent wake which set up severe buffeting with the low set tailplane, During 18/19 May 1941 P1767 was loaned to 778 Squadron for deck landing wials aboard HMS Victorious, and it fell to Lt. Ca, James Tillard to be the first pilot 0 land a Barracuda on a flight deck. The problem of interactivity between flap created turbulence and the buffeting tailplane made the aircraft unsafe for deck landing under extreme con: ditions. It was returmed to Fairey who had already come up with a redesigned tailplane Which vas moved highe Tn this form the first production type Barracuda landings were made by Lt.Cdr. Torrens-Spence on 25 September 1942. The new look did nothing 10 enhance the Barracuda’s appearance with support struts cach side of the tail but did give it good deck landing characteristics, In July 1941 there was a setback when a naval pilot who had flown the aireraft retracted the undercarriage while taxying in and shock-loaded the Below: The fet Barracuda TRIM produced by Boulton Paul, DPBSSIG n February 1944, Parked Inthe Background are four Barracuda Is. was ‘sth the TRE at Oafordn 1944 for ASV Wks 3 ‘Band evaluation witha rear fuselage mounted Scanner and radome, (Crown Copyright) Left A formation of four Barracuda hs of 12 Sauron fying over China on 14 Decembor 1048. These ‘were part of Alled border patrole between Chins Sand the Hong Kong New Terrories Frontier dut- Ing NovernberiDecember 1945 (J Dickson) ee het N ‘Above: Tis Barracuda ofthe British Pacific Fleet shows how smal an area it could be folded into for ‘deck handling and hangerage space. Bolow: Baraca TRIl MDS3T In August 1044 ati with a three blade propeller and the radar scanner under the the ainghy lanyard. (via Tony Bute) ized rout for engine. P1767 was delivered 10 the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Boscombe Down for performance and handling trials fon 15 October 1941, At different AUWs including bomb and torpedo loads, the main problem seemed to be an excessively long take off run and slow climb out. Completion ofthe trials was delayed until February 1942 ‘due to unservieabilty problems and minor modifications The question of being seriously under- powered was found to be partly de 10 the ‘Admiralty continuously adding equipment FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 11not envisaged in the original Specification, the change of engine and some structural strengthening In December 1941 Fairey and Rolls-Royce looked into the problems of inereasing take ‘off power for the Merlin 30, and talked of possibly fitting the Merlin 20 or Griffon I (being developed for the Firefly), There was also talk of introducing a fourblade pro- peller. However, Rolls-Royce were develop. ing the Merlin 32 which would be rated at 1,640 hp, am inerease in power of 33 percent ‘over the Merlin 30, and enough to provide the Barracuda with a better performance ‘Consequently, in April 1942 the Ministry of ft Production (MAD) decided to go for the Merlin 32 With the new engine, a four-blade pro: peller and other changes, including redesign (of things like air intake ducts and cowling Tines, it became the Barracuda IL and was to be integrated into production straight away This meant only 25 Barracuda Is being built by Fairey at their Stockport factory before production switched to the Mk. I. ‘The inital Barracuda I P9642 first flew on 2 April 1942. Early flights showed undercar- riage retraction and lateral control problems, ‘An early forced landing resulted in P9642 going to Hayes for reconditioning and the ‘opportunity was taken to install a Merlin 32, effectively becoming a Mk I! To rub salt in the wounds the MAP informed Fairey they hhad no propellers for the Barracuda — all production had been allocated for Spitfires and Wellingtons. However, by 10 August PAGE 12 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPANT Frey BSarracude Wk ME248:7% of 815 Squacon, FAA based af RNAS Fata fn 1048, Note CF ous stove ns, Fairey Barracuda Mi cara ungeniieg IK o 227 ‘Sgusteon, Pad, on toard HS Coosue osy 1835, noo Ct roundel above wings Fairey Barracuds Mis DAYE.AIS of 710 Stustrone FAA. based at ANAS Ronaidsway, Alguet 1015 for storage when the folded. (erie Wats/Ai-Brtain) Bolow: Barracuda PMD40 became the fith TRV prototype 1845, large fn area hes been added to compensate for the extra power tom the Guifon (ia Ray Sturtevant)3S located under the starboard wing, Tater moved tthe port wing, (Crown Copyrghe 1042 there were seven Barracuda Is at Ringway with Merlin 30s, with P9642 going to the RAE Famborough and P9645 going to Boscombe Down, ‘A number of problems arose concering the radiator Selection, CO (Carbon Monoxide) cockpit contamination and the exhaust system, The Barracuda exhaust manifold story could fill a book on its own; sulfice to say here that it was always a prob- lem. A study of the different types is dis played on page 33. The intial general design ff the exhaust system was fixed by Fairey fand consisted of three blisters running the length of the exhaust ports and a long tail Pipe running to the bottom of the engine nacelle. This was to alleviate the cockpit contamination problem. However, the atached to the aireraft struc- ture, while the rest of the manifold was attached tothe engine ereating unforeseen problems such as cracked weld joints of exhaust stubs to exhaust Manges allowing ‘complete failure During June 1943 787 Squadron, the Naval Air Fighting Development Unit (NAFDU) based at RAF Witering evaluated P9768, which at that time was fitted with a Lancaster-type multi-ejector exhaust mani- fold. They found CO contamination in the pilo’s cockpit and said it was heavy to fly ‘doe to being overweight. They also tested P0644, P9788 and P9OT7. Anoer fault that emerged and which con- twibuted to the Barracuda’s reputation were sories of wings coming off in dives. This ‘was eventually traced to below specification wing locking pins which quickly developed ‘wear and failed due to lack of rigidity. When tested more than 80 per cent were below specification! The first signs of trouble as Vibration set in were usually rivets popping atthe joints when pulling out ofa dive! One of the other problems concerned sto- ries of the airraft taking a sudden dive for . ‘pe Cenc Sm FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 13. Above: Although wall known to enthusiasts this picture fs 20 ful of action it would bea pty to Feave I out! This plot of 84 Squadron has mis- Judged his approach to HS Venerable in the Far East. On the wrong side of the fight deck with everything down, undercarriage laps and Tallhook he has applied fll power snd fs ier- ally hauling the sireratt off and upto the right fn efor to avoid hitting the superstructure on the dock. (WM) Right Pictures of Barracudas ‘stipes are elatvely rare but invidual markings onthe for ward fuselage. (FAA Museum) sent reason. The RAE were called in e after five Barracudas had be lost in strange circumstances. The pilot selected to do the investigation was Lt Eric Brown (later Captain). He had flown the Barracuda I and noticed that it appeared to hhave some rudder overbalance. He recalls his approach to the problem —'I was well faware that the torpedo attack technique Which was to dive to low altitude using the live flaps, level out, launch the torpedo, retract the flaps and make a rapid and eva: sive breakaway to one side. This latter phase ff the manoeuvre seemed the obviows area for suspicion, and | recollected the rudder overbalance that had sensed during my frst ht in a Barracuda II therefore performed series of sideslips at height and at various speeds, deliberately stalling the rudder. When the rudder overbalanced, the nose Right A crowded fight deck with all Baraca engines running before getting airborne. They belong to 815 Squadron aboard MMS Mustrious 1008 PAGE 14 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT‘Above: Three Barracudas of 812 Squadron from as Vengeance in Decoriber 1045. They cary the Britah Paciic Fest markings with PMOSS 371A flown by Lt, Poole nearest the camera. (Mia Ray Stunvani) Below: Full of atmosphere thls pleture ls of WRENS ing = they pase or Pe ‘dropped quite sharply. I also checked the ‘change of trim when the dive brakes were retracted atthe bottom of «high-speed dive and this was markedly nose down. The next stage was 10 try out the combination rmanocuvre, I alerted the flight observer to switch in the cameras recording the instru- ‘ments giving airspeed, altitude, and elevator, rudder and aileron angles, and then put the nto a dive to 210 knots (389 kar) with the flaps in the dive position and with the elevator trimmed to hold it steady. I then FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 15‘Above: This Barracuda ll 488:2C was airborne {or press cameras in June 1944 when the ox {ance ofthe Barracuda was fst announced fo! Towing the attacks on Tipit simulated levelling out at sea level, and When the speed had dropped below 190 knots (352 kinhr) ~ the restriction speed for retracting the dive flaps - raised the flaps to cruise position and kicked on rudder as 1 pulled away to starboard. Ina flash the air- craft was in an inverted dive Fortunately, I had plenty of altitude in Which to sort out the recovery, but I shud: dered at the thought of what the inevitable ‘consequences would have been had I actual- ly performed the test at sea level!” And, it shouldbe noticed, inthe hands of a pilot not yet too familar with the new aireraf. ‘After numberof other flights confirming this phenomenon a warning was issued to all ‘TSR aircrew and the epidemic of crashes ended immediately. By now most of the problems giving the Barracuda a bad! name had been eliminated, but the stigma remained, mostly due to the prejudice it received in those early years "The problem of poor take off performance Right: Low level Baracudas hoping to achieve ‘surprise on enemy shipping near Bodo off the Norwegian coast November 1944 (WM) PAGE 16 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT was still there, and concer expressed about the Barracuda’s ability to operate from “The RAE looked into this and came up with the idea of using RATOG (Rocket- Assisted Take-Off Gear). The gear consisted ‘of two solid fuel rocket motors fitted each side of the fuselage and angled outwards so ‘that the thrust went through the aircraft's CG and avoided excessive trim changes. The pilot fired the rockets electrically from the cockpit as he passed a white marker on the carrier deck. This would give him the opti- Above: Barracuda Il 6M of 810 Squadron gots Sitbome armed wih 81,8008 armourplersing Bomb. The American bomb was cleared to be Carle aftr rints in December 1943 with rah modified by units using supplad kite. (ann) my the rockets petered ‘out shortly after take-off but comfortably airbome when the gear was al jettisoned. The first RATO was made by Lt Erie Brown in Barracuda II P9791 from HMS Prevoria Casile on | August 1944, The kit became standard operating. procedure on escort carriers when heavily laden Barracudas needed a helping hand to get ai bore. Catapult launching was another area investigated and improved. The British ‘method was to use a cradle whereby four spools mounted on the aircraft Fuselage were supported in tis cradle and released in level flight attitude when catapulted, that is, the aieraft then had to be rotated into the climbs ‘The American system used only two points, single wire trop attached to the flight deck in a catapult slot with the other end attached to. single hook under the fuselage. The tail was secured (tail down) by this strop through a retaining ring which held the air-Torpedoes wore usually dropped with a wooden Tall to provide stably. Wartime pltures ‘enacred to remove the. ar tall before Tolonse to the press. This picture shows 2 Baraca taking of the ght ck with ana fal stil vse craft back until launched. Once the pressure exceeded the breaking strength ofthe retain ing ring the shuttle moved forward along the slot until it reached the end of its run. A brake stopped further movement with one end of the strop attached to the deck while the other end was allowed to slip clear ofthe spool under the aircraft fuselage allowing the aircraft to accelerate away in the flying attitude, Barracuda II DRI26 tested the American system aboard Prevoria Castle on 3 April 1943 with various loads, including a torpe- do, and the system was accepted as standard launching procedure TESTING TIME ‘The initial 25 Barracuda Is, relegated for training only, provided an initial wealth of knowledge as flight testing got under way. PO643 joined the programme on 16 May 1942 and was used to test a modified hood and tailplane airflow indications. P9645/G was fited with ASV X (Air-Surface-Vesse}) radar and frst flew in that form on 20 July 1943; P9647 caried out a full torpedo load test on 4 August and P9648 tested metal ailerons. The first Barracuda Il P9667 flew on & December 1942. It was demonstrated to the press loaded with a torpedo on 4 August 1943 and on the 12th Charles Brown took some air-to-air pictures which are now the ‘well known series of P9667. In late 1942 the programme, already late, was given a ‘shove’ by the Ministry to get the aircraft cleared for service as quickly as Britian Pacific Fast markings were appled each Side of the fuselage, above the port wing and blow the starboard one ae seen inthis pleture ot 812 Squadron from HS: Vengeance i late ‘045, (CH. Wood via Ray Sturtvant) PAGE 1@ FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPANT possible, Barracuda Is P9644, P96S2 and 9653 were all at Boscombe Down under- going intensive flying trials; Mk P9647 Was there for handling and performance tr. P9667 for handling and gunnery, and 9676 with P9677 carry flying with the Mertin 32. In February 1943 it was suggested fitting the Merlin 24 in later Barracudas but the Admiralty rejected this as it did not offer an treat advance over the Merlin 32. In fact, Rolls-Royce had been against fitting any two-stage supercharged engine in. the Barracuda on the grounds that it would be inefficient at heights below 20,000ft, Fairey ‘were told to proceed with the Griffon instal- Tation but Rolls-Royce informed them that the engine would not be available until at least Easter 1944, “Trials with the Mk.II were proving that air- craft performance and loading were only just ‘adequate, but the Admiralty was sill tying to squeeze more equipment aboard. It was said that at one stage the Barracuda had 13 radio sets so the observer could communi- cate with all the different ships and shore {At a meeting between Fairey, MAP and Rolls-Royce it was suggested that, as the Griffon Would not be available forest pro- duction machines, to (a fit an additional 25, square feet to each wingtip of the Mk. and (}) clean up the aircraft by moving the wing ‘mounted bombs to under the fuselage; ASV serials external to the wing Would now go inside the wingtip extension, made of metal tnd wood, and the torpedo, when required ould be partially enclosed in the fuselage To do this would require some aircraft strengthening including beefing up the main spar, in other words increase the weight yet again! However, the trials with P1767, after i ting the Merlin 32 and a four-biade pro- peller, demonstrated a considerable Improvement in performance and the pro-FAIREY BARRACUDA MV eee S Pont side view ary model Mk ‘wth ander Fivand redo tp FAIREY BARRACUDA Mk.V ‘Sorap view of starboard wing ‘and nose {ed sara ttbreaueten arcat vrei on ? a : pot stae Fret vow 2 i thoi Royce ‘Above: The Barracude Mk Griffon engine installation wh the cowings Sion ga 5 removed, Toe exnaut mancld was one of several experivental nse ented ‘on POOTG at ABAEE. Below: The third Barracuda TRIKY prototype LS#79 Seen in March 1045. The changes to this version from those previous includ {ithe installation ofa Ros Reyee Grifon engine, lengthened nose, square ut wing tip and seteront ai! unt yet tobe added to icra (Fairey)Fairey BARRACUDA... Drawings by Bob Hunt‘Above: Barracuda Mil MX596:279-A of 812 Squadron being ‘own by Sub Llautenant John Dickaon ashe formates on the ‘camera sreraft on 23 November 1045. 812 wore based at Kat ‘Tak, Hong Kong at this time and the airerat has retained Its in Pacic Fleet markings. (Dickson) ‘Left: Barracuda Mil MXS13 of 778 Squadron which was one of {bro engaged in tals ofthe arbore lebost developed for Inaireeaseecue work. The bost which had eats and smal ‘engine was fited tothe Barracuda's torpedo etches. Tile Proved its ficiency bu the project was not carie further. ‘ona Below Several home-based aircraft carers and their comple- ment of Barracudas were used during the latter stages ef the ‘tar for atacks on German shipping n and eround the Norwegian coastne. Several Air Groups ware involved with tmost aera carrying bombs whilst one orto had torpedo ft- {ea In this pleture thre Barracudas are seen forming up fora ‘trike In wich at east two sirraftcariare wre invved. (WM)Right: An ASv-equipped Barracuda MOOS Coded NEC of Sing along tre Command. (via ‘Barracudas of 812 and 814 Squadrons ashore at ‘Kia Tak Hong Kong afar th war Inthe Far Est was over (MRM Shippey via Ray Sturvant ‘gramme forged ahead with more confidenoy. ‘The Barracuda IMI had been defined as an anti-submarine strike aircraft capable of ‘operating from escort carriers, but retaining its torpedo and mine laying roles. Similar in all respects to the Mk.I and Il it was fited with ASV Mk.X and could be identified b the radar scanner in a bulge beneath the re fuselage. In May 1943 the Admiralty informed the Chairman of the Barracuda Group that they ‘wanted 25 per cent of all Barracuda pro tion tobe TR Ills. Half the MK IT (or TRI) production was entrusted to Boulton Paul, with the first 18 TR.IMls (DR318-DR335) boeing the ast ofa batch of 300 Mk.Is, bt in fact all were produced as Mk.Is, except for the aforementioned 18, ‘A contract fora further 300 TR.IIs fol- lowed with final deliveries ending just after Vi-Day. An additional 300 had been ordered, that is 900 aireraft, but after 92 of the last batch had been built all Barracuda production was cancelled. LATER VERSIONS Plans for a Barracuda MkIV had been drawn up atthe design stage as a three-seat torpedo bomber to follow the two-seat ver- sion. When development and re-design got under way, the los of the P24 engined ver sion, whose performance would not have required a TAG, gave the Admiralty some- thing to think about. Progressive develop- ‘ment resulted in Barracuda II P9976 becom- ing the Mk.IV prototype but was overtaken by events and the concentration on the Miki Planned introduction of the Fairey Spearfish into FAA squadrons in the Pacific ‘war had run into all sorts of design and Ministry problems and it was decided that the Griffon-engined version of | the Barracuda would act as an interim type until the Spearfish came along. The planned introduction of the Mk.V included the fol- lowing changes ~ redesigned wing and cen- tre section to increase load factors; wingspan increased from 490 to $3 ft; Merlin 32 replaced by Griffon 37; flame damping added: dive braking propeller to be fitted undercarriage to be beefed up; reset tailplane angle, dorsal fin and added spring trimmer to the rudder; fuel capacity increased from 225 10 300 gallons; operational weight increased to 16,2506 and general cleaning up of the airframe. "Notall ofthese were incorporated, the dive propeller for instance being found unsuitable for general fying "The introduction of the Griffon was a log- ical and progressive step in the Barracuda story. Initially it was planned that the engine Would be a Griffon VI, then the VIT and finally the Griffon VIM although most were ‘eventually powered by the Griffon 37. The Griffon was slightly longer than the Merlin ‘and necessitated longer engine mounts and increased petrol and oil capacity. New ailerons and extended wing tips were designed in and a small wing-mounted radome for the ASH scanner. In December 1944 the Fairey design office at Stockport announced that the existing dive brakes as on current production Barracudas would not be adequate when the Griffon was installed. It was envisaged that the speed would continue to increase in a dive as the extra weight overcame the effect ‘of the dive brakes. One answer was to limit the bomb load, but this in effect, would ren- der the aircraft unoperational. Also, it was ‘agreed that at this late stage ofthe war it was not proposed to redesign the dive brakes and the Barracuda V would not fly operationally until powered by the Griffon 37. Those Barracudas on the production line already receiving the Griffon VII would be fitted Barracuda coded C1M of 785 Squadron operat- Ing out of Cral, provided familareaton and issubmarne otros onthe Barc AA FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT. PAGE 19colour scheme Barracuda TRI RJ821 305:GN of 815 Squadron based {St Eglinton, Norther ireland. Providing anti-submarine taining the equadron occasionally joined 2 arr for exercises. Bsiow: Boulton Prul-bult Barracuda i ORG coded ROS OF 710 Squadron tak ing of from Ronaldeway in August 1945.70 was a torpedo taining squadron, (vin Ray Strtivant) Above: Sporting a post-w PAGE 20 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPANT with the later engine retrospectiv The prototype Mk.V was the intended MKIV prototype P9076, a rebuilt’ Mk which test pilot Sam Moseley took on its first flight from Ringway on 16 November 1044. At least six other aireraft joined the MLV programme, DT845, LS479, LS480, PMO40, PM941 and PM94 and some of these had various types of fin fairing 'P9976 and DT84S went to Rolls-Royce where the former was test flown with a Griffon VI engine, and the latter Griffon VIII for level speed, performance and fuel consumption tests. The first production Barracuda TR.V was Fairey built ex-MkIL RK530 which flew from Ringway on November 1945. Contracts for 140 were pliced but with the end of the war only 30 were built Going back to the dive-brake problem a moment ~ the RAE conducted some trials with a dive-braking propeller. Barracuda S708 was fited with a four-blade Rotol unit that had the fine pitch stop set to well advanced to give a braking effect once in a dive. The idea was to close the throttle and reduce speed to 150 knots (278. kmvhe) before moving the pitch lever to full fine to avoid overspeeding. This produced a strong c-down pitch and pid: deceleration Which allowed a steep dive at 70 10 80 degrees, perfect for dive-bombing, before the terminal velocity at 235 knots nvr. The trials were successful but other phases of flight were affected, such as take-off performance and high eruise fuel consumption ‘HEN SINK STUFF The Barracuda was designed to curry a wide range of ordnance with the Mk XIIB 18in torpedo as its primary weapon. Sighting was Barracuda Il of 814 Squadron fying over HUS Venerable, ts parent cari. ARhough sent to the Far East was too late fo see action. (MAM, ‘la Ray Sturtvant).Fairy. Ba pons based at RNAS St Merry in 1947-49, Friry Baracuda TRMKS FKS5-205..° SPTRE Seecron FAA Doses t NAS Lo via a Type F Torpedo Director computer allowing the pilot to aim directly a the bows of the ship during the last half mile of the attack. The computer then adjusted the tor- pedo's course gyro to give an intercept track, To provide stability during the passage from the aircraft to the water the torpedo was fit- ted with a wooden monoplane ail, usual deleted by the censor in wartime photo- phs. A single fixed forward fii machine 0303 n_ intended for the pilot was never fitted. A single gun was supplied for the observer and fited to all Mk.s and a number of Mk.lls but was removed once with the squadrons. A twin-gun mounting aft for the TAG was an adaption ofthe Albacore fitting. The TAG fired his guns from a stand 2, on early aircraft, a pris ‘matic but from 1944 a gyro sight was fitted which allowed more accu: rate defletion shooting Six underwing hardpoints allowed a com bination of bombs up to 1.5001, Trials with Squadron in early 1943 to cary four 50016. bombs was abandoned die to poor ind loss of performance. Instead ‘mine could be carried or the ey Barracude Mil FKA79302-0 of HS ue Gnas Fight venng Ost. Notway, Grera Navy ue FAIREY GARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE21‘Squadron Base Dates Marks Examples [BARRACUDA FRONT LINE SQUADRONS B10 Leoonsolent ApréSioNovae Ml P5081 2x. Borecmugh Decddtodulas ll PMTEr Macteharish Feb 4510Aug 45 iN MEZ26_ Nea 212 Seton Junaftovan a6 MEST. NIM 814 Machwhanish “Wuladio Jude) PTA BIN B15 Leo-onSolent OctastoOetae il oBTe Mocmanish Novas opal MOTS7 Mactehanih Jon 4Sto an 46 IN MEAS 17K Dec? toMay $3 RTO. 3T1/GN 216 Foods ious” a3 oy Doe 43 te Jan 45 ea86 Apr a og 45 ' (asi mixrae ore May 48 to Aug 45 Purré Cc 2 rceaiible dan awwodes Mea? B21 Puncher May dtoapras RZ x don ase Oaa5 i M83 m2 Tan MMastocss DPB Mansion Janson 45 ll M958 A Woodvale Jun 45 9 Sep 48 I (ASH)PMBTS 23 Ahelng” An Sto sulae BVO 824 Ceylon Hiast6 Sop45 1 tx723 £26 Indeaigable Dec a3toOe ae NI OBZ? 4x Feam ‘ig Jan 46 Masi wrest 27 Machrnanisn ‘Jan 430 Ju 4 Posse Pow MwraStoaulas | BvraT oH 828 Impacable Mar 44 to Fob 45, Moose 20 Vitorous’«—OctaSto tee” LSB. 4. 830 Funes = May4Stooaae | BVOa7 SH 831 Vidonious— «Doe 42 to Jon 43.1 POGST SinaSwitovad i LSeS7 sR 837 Go Sepastonovss i PMT J 81 implacable Feb 44 Novae M1 MOTIO S47 usrou undo gunad LMG? 8 0A ‘hin45 io Jan 46 RTT BARRACUDA FRONT LE SQUADRONS STI. EQUIPPED SEPT 1048 810 Queen i MEZ26 812, Vengeance Puree Nix 814 Venerabe i eis Ser MM Mezge x 817 Feam Mss: 818 Feam N PMBrO | et Trumpeter Menta 822 Sydenham NI Wash) meas 24 Katanga, Coyon ee pares 825 Ream TASH) haa 828 Esstaven in MOBO 227 Colonsue Mixes? AK 87 Gly Pures 850 Maygown NI e236 SARRACUDA SECOND LINE SQUADRONS ‘Worty Down an 45 Mar 48 Draud Yoowton May 45 Ap 47 aves soot ros strane ere hover oF ho 45 Sep 53 MEI D 705 Schott NSW Ag 4 Mor #6 Pursa ToT Burscough Feb 48 Sep 45 Moras Feb 45 Sep 45 Metes au TIO Ronaldsway Oat 48 Doe 45 Uses ARSK. ‘om Oct 44 Doc 45 MEes m Cat Sp #4 Doc 45 Mixes! 6c TIS Renaldsway Aug #4 Doe 45 hose tom Nov 4 Bec 45 ‘Moa? Rok 74 Fea ‘Ag 44 Doe 45. Pores RC. Fattay Oat 45 Dec a5 ‘M907 716 Easlegh ul 44 ug 45 pee? nt eam Sl Mar 48 brane y 719 Eginton NI Mar 46 tay 49 Risa S1auR 731 Eawtnaven Jul Now 45 Moree 7S Ceylon Sop 48 Ap a5 User ax 735 Atoath Dae 44 Apr a8 worer Now a5 Apr a8 Moeio o1x 798 StMemyn Sop 43.145 User Aco Tat Burscough Aug a5 Dec 45 MET T3Ix —EgimonNi Jun st stl MEZS2 744 Mayoown NI Nov4#Aug45 MX Egimon NI Maras Dec? UBS 306R. vr Feam Meré3uaa) | BNIB Roradsway Mar 3 Deeds lS KL rom Jan45Deea5 I MOD0T RB 750 Parco West na Nov 44 Oe 48 tsvor Bo StWeryn Apr 82 Juss ez 7s. Rattay Dee 4 Aug 46 xess ASB) 738 Ceylon Dee 43 Aug 44 Poort Squadron Base Dates Marks Abeirg = Oat a5 Nov 4s i Tet Gosport Feb 44 Ag 45 Ter Rajon sun 440g 441 Theseus unaa.tlag) Tes Argus Bw S431 ‘Smiter Suasoass 790 Ravager «= Novasouds atvay haga O45 Tr Rateay Feoae suas Tre Atbroath “May 42 Novas Goopot Feb agNova6 Ford ee a5 Apra8 i ‘Sep 46 Jl a7 780 Leo-onsolent vg 43 0443 7a UseonsSoent May 43 73 tbat Mat 45 Dec 46 Mar 48 bec 48 Leoon-solet Doc 47 On 8 705 Gra Decaajanas ApaaFeoas tL dan4eb 6M 76 cat Dec 2 Dees 1 Dec 3 Dee 45 Ter witeing Apr a3 Jun 3, ‘hin 43 un 4 795 stMeryn Now a0 Fab 52 1st Ceylon Now 798 LooonsSolet Oat 49 Oct 45 Stein shina 790 Lee-amSolent “May 46 Sep 47 ‘Ship's Fights Fomisatie dun a4 uid Mtroue ae v implacable Fabde.un4s Implacsole ‘Aig 40 May sti Iota Feb 51 Sep 51 i Prema Aug 45 Sep 451 Theseus Now 46 1 Vengeance wionse Staion Fights Easthaven san 45 " Gosport Nowar " Ferry Pools Worthy Bown un 450g 45 ‘Stelton FPN'S Jana m ‘Aircraft Torpedo Dev Unit Gosport 0 [RAF squadrons and other units operating Barracudas Sor Deesbatao 818 Skiton Sa 887 Gosport 245 67 powich 245 "1 631 Reborough 43-45 " ASATAFerry Plots Poot Jul4i AuptS Heme RAE Farnborough ABAEE Boscombe Down Oct 1 Jonas Evauatedastorent Ost? un 45 I Barras! erat Decs2 i Sepaeiana? Vv ‘TRENTRU Detford ' Telecommunications Research Establishment I Used 12 ciferent racine m 5 Schoo of Technieal Telning, Locking Aug 45 I 12 Schoo! of Technica! Training, Melksham Jl 45 ROTOL . Strveron May 46 uw Ls706 Rolls-Royce Huckral” Oct 42Aor44 1g Nows'Sepa4 tl Poors dunasaugss Vo DTa4s BARRACUDA SQUADRONS AND UNITS Meroe ‘Ras Rxsr Resse R008 Rares, pas rd Rava were Rises M230 trou evra Briss RIO pore? ew ak 10M rome e000 Bae eso PAGE 22 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPANT‘Above: Barracuda TRV RKSSB 225:LP of 789, ‘Squacron based at Lee-on Solent during 1948, [ASH nacalle ls under the port wing, a the at ‘serialnumber ~ but no roundel, The nde fin area le shown to good effect in ths Deture. (ia Ray Sturtvant, American 1,6001b armour-piercing bomb, Following successful tals in late 1943, the airframe had to have some local stengthen- ing around the suspension lug, after which aircraft were fitted on the production line and modification kits were supplied to squadrons and other units operating the air- craft. In late April 1945: the Admiralty ‘ordered that torpedo training was to cease, dive bombing being the preferred method of attack Despite the poor handling qualities of the Barracuda it found itself testing all sorts of appendages. P9667 and P9976 were only ‘wo fitted with dorsal fairings to compensate for the different rotation of the Griffon tothe Merlin, P979SIG and LS631/G did handling trials with “Cudo” floats, or under-wing con- tiners to drop agents or airborne forces BARRACUDA EXPORTS FRANCE ‘Reronavele (French Navy) aque 10 ox FAA | Barracuda iis equipped with ASH radar between March Sy 1848, These inded: RKSGD, 267, 968, 40, 420, 469, 476,477,479 and 480 NETHERLANDS Dutch Navy 860 Squadron took over 21 Barracudas from 822 Squad in June 1945, ‘They wore operated fom HMS Niana nti May 1086 using Mel “Opde Kir MDBte, 619, 16, 024, 945, 058 Met04, 105, 134: 188, 185,189, 204,20, 231,296 Rua, 02,807,814, ‘Above: Ground crew pose with Barracuda TRLV RKGS68 281:C of HMS Implacabe’s Ship's Fight in 41848, (AE Hughes) Below: About to takeoff rom MMS lustrous ie Barracuda TRIM MEZ6Y 305.38 lof B18 Squadron. The seril number i repeated under the radar “This aircraft itched in February 1945 and wax replaced by R909, stil wit code. 208:0R. (widland Air Mussumay Stunted FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 29Right: Barracuda TRAM ROSS SIGN of 815 ‘Squadron sporting the postwar colour scheme, (AE Hughes) Lower ight: A Barracuda accaer- Sta along the fight deck of what seome to be is "Vengeance. Sea Hornet NFZis of 809 Squadron and Fireflies of €14 tine up for their tum to fy in May 195% behind enemy lines after being transported near the abjective by a cartier. The SOE (Special Operations Executive) expressed an interest as @ way of delivering agents, The plan was t0 use a pannier beneath the fuselage but tis would have affected the ar flow from the radiators. Faireys designed container that would fit on the underwit bomb racks of the Barracuda and P9795 went to Heston Aircraft in April 1943, hav ed the installation ting on 31 December 1943 between Fairey and the Admiralty agreed t0 a two: seat mock-up, the occupants having. pars chutes with K Type dinghies. It was planned that ying tials st Boscombe Down would be followed by deck landings and take-offs aboard Pretoria Castle. ‘Testing at Boscombe had started when the war finished and although there seemed a requirement for such a method of delivering agents in the postwar era the whole idea was eventually shelved, RK328 tested smoke containers; MX613 flew tcals with an airborne lifeboat which BV727:8M of the Naval AirSea Warfare Development Unit confirmed was operable after wials aboard HMS. Vengeance. The ‘Type NA XV airborne lifeboat was put into limited production for use by Barracuda Below: A number of Barractdas had individual markings Including this one on the forward {selage. lis 76D of 827 Squadron from HS Colossus in the Far East. The spinner tip ie painted white. (via Ray Sturtvant) PAGE 24 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINTFry Barncuda Mi FG21306-GN ol 744 Sauatron PA, base a RNAS Egon nthe ary 19568 Eloy Baraca Mk 8-6 IR o 744 Fe atts tac te ey *eS8e" hs ‘ips Croundts above fe wings, Foley Baraca Mk P30 Sauocrer Meryn'n 195 R F ated at RNAS St or, RAEN Akt Topo ay eh Toe sic are nave eer ae eet ‘a soca pa nee ee SERS : ie =e Fairey Barracuda MN E251 :205R ot ony FAA. rom ANAS Eginion but on ard hs sous in 0 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 25Intoresting study of Barracuds 11 RK4D9 of the ‘Sipe Fight HlMS Theseus In lato 946, Marked jing a 320s" below. Anew type of carburetor Intake has been fitted (Fight Internationa) ASR II and IL airraft. The “boat” was pow- cred by a Brttania Middy motor which gave ita range of 120 miles at four knots It had easily rigged sails and inflatable bags on each side of the boat which made it self righting and there was a self-baling facility. RADIO, RADAR AND RADOME! As early as December 1941 a centimetric radar was under development for use in Barracudas. It was tested in Swordfish and a Hudson aireraft and was later ordered into production as the ASW X. In the meantime the Barracuda Is and the majority of the Mills were fitted with ASV IN, the stan- dard naval radar. This required the fiting of yagi antennae on the upper surface of the wings and although the IIN performed well ‘enough, it had its limitations The fitting of the new radar in the Mk.II resulted ina blister shaped radome under the rear fuselage housing a parabolic antenna, ASH ~ (Air Service Homing) an American ANIAPS-4 centimettic radar, was tested in Barracuda LS789 in late 1944. It was housed im a semi-recessed mini radome below the port wing leading edge. Trials revealed that this radar was much lighter and gave better discrimination than ASV X, but lacked the latter's all round coverage. It was planned ‘that four squadrons would be equipped with the new radar but enough sets were not available until mid-1945, by which time the need for its use had almost disappeared. Tn the spring of 1944 a number of Barracuda ILand Ills were fitted with radio altimeters with the intention of being capa- ble of night anti-submarine and torpedo attacks. However, after some trials it was found that the new radio altimeters could accept wrong signals and “when the light ‘came on you were as likely tobe 100 under the water as 1008 above it! The Admiralty’ plan for a comprehensive radio set up was never really possible due to the weight problem with the aircraft. They Mixed colour schemes sported by Barracuda ‘Falls of 813 Squadron whon at Eginton RJT97 later served with 796 and 730 Squadrons at St yn before beng retired in 1953, PAGE 25 FAIREY BARRACUDA. WARPAINTimended to fit Medium, High and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio equipment but the latter set was slow being developed and it was 1944 before any sort of alternative was available. One local modification was the fitting of fighter VHF sets so. that Barracudas going on a strike could commu- nicate with the escorting fighters. These were fitted by the squadron/unit and not standard cockpit equipment. The general radio ft was the British ARI 5206 HUF wire- less telegraphy set or either the American SCR 522 or AN/ARC-1 VHF RIT, but the Tater became a standard fit in Barracuda Ms, ‘THE BARRACUDA JOINS UP Barracuda prototype P1767 joined 778 Service Trials Unit during May’ 18-19 1941 for tals aboard HMS Victorious and then returned to Fairey for installation of service ‘qipment and modifications. In September Above: Just dropped infor a. cuppa This 815 Squadron Barracuda TR MEBt 3118 join an Oxford 1942-778 again received Barracudas, PO643_ASTOD FKOLM of! Group Communletons Fights Anson of SANS on he ase 1 cawngtos and later, PITTOG. ‘ein In what apoar to bean overs aver nish Barracuda TRY RKST! 80.0 of te Sipe Pgh Initial deliveries tothe squadrons did not A606 MMS Musou in 1847-48 (GA tena. begin uni early 1943 due to the setbacks rentioned elsewhere. Second line and tain jing squadrons began to reply introduce the Barmcuda including. the important Deck Landing Training Schoo at asthaven, com prising 767, 768 and. 769 Squadrons, the Torpedo Training Schoo! at Crileomprising 785" and_786 Squadrons, Crail was also home wo 711 torpedo taining squadron with 710" providing similar” course at Ronaldsvay onthe Ile of Man, TBR cour 5 were conducted by 713, 714, and 717 ‘with 747 providing operational tring. Barracudas also found their way into tumerous other wartime units, sch a8 700 Squadron, the Maintenance Test Pilots ‘Training Squadron at Worthy Dowa, 703 at ‘homey Island hosted the Naval Air-Sea Sa eaacngtet Fabry Sarracude TR FKS71 800-0 Stine Supe Fight HS Hustrous nthe ary 19508 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 27PAGE 28 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT Warfare Development Unit; 705 providing Replacement Crew Training at Ronaldsway’ 707 a Radar Trials Unit at Burscough; 716 the School of Safety Equipment at Eastleigh 1738 and 737 Squadrons at Burscough ran the ASV courses, as did 783 at Arbroath; 736 ‘was part of the School of Naval Air Warfare at St Merryn, also there was 774 t0 gi armament training; anti-submarine training at Maydown was run by 744 Squadron; 753, ran the observer courses at Arbroath and later at Rattray; 764 the Torpedo Trials Unit at Gosport, and, the most important, one ‘could say ~ 798 Squadron which ran the Barracuda Conversion Course at Lee-on- Solent. Below: Apart trom agent nacelles under the wings a Barracuda I was used to ght test en ‘ibome delivered radio station in alge pod ‘mounted under the fuselage. Lal A view of the Intoror of the rad station pod.‘Above: Barracuda I! NOXBI3 fed with an ai- ome ieboat In January 1948. Note the han ‘dng struts down from each wingtip. (Crown ‘Copyright No§27 Squadron was the first operational unit to receive Barracudas when they replaced their Albacores. at Stretton in January 1943, The squadron received a mixed bag of Mk.I and II Barracudas, mov- {ng south to Lee-on-Solent in early April to work up. Here it was joined by 810 ‘Squadron, which changed its Swordfish for Barracudas the same month. Other BARRACUDA SPECIFICATIONS Detals Mt xt re my Engne erin 20 Morn 32 Moning Griton a7 Rates ‘260h0 ‘sao 1800 220 Rates attain) 8.750, 1750 1750 200 Dimensions Wing span onan soa onan son in Folded s7non van sno | Wing aoa aiasgn sisqn —4tusqnazosan Long Senge sonsin son on 43tn Heit 2 an ian 3h s2k an 132m Welt empty sor Weim = Hans nom fended 12.064 Wooo = asi Maas lretompedo 1317718 vas2m 137621 15.9001 Performance Mavepoed Goan 250.mph 240mpn' — 230mpn——270™mpn Tnctopede 224 mph Zaamen 220 mph 58 mp Max cuise 03 moh 205mon 14S moh 27 moh Tncorpedo 191 mph Seams 1001p 203 mph dus reece 2300 mies 20min 210 mies 258 mies Wan terpeco 270 mos 220 miles 20 mies Win bom 200 miles ‘00 miles moto s000n «Sin 20sec = Amin 12sec min SO see 4 min 4200 Coting acauw = 213001 we200n Ye200R —2r0008 ‘ake of dtonce 4308 e208 soo don Into 29 knot wind Weapons Torpeco 1.508 1o0m asm tra | 0008 bombs 3 3 2 4 | 2500 bomba é é é 4 2.00016 bomb 1 Dept charges 450m e2s0b 250m 2508 Nines +5000 ory veo = 00 ‘The tka al had one 0.503n Vickers gas operated machine gun with 200 rounds per gun us two 0.308 Vickrs for ho TAG wih 800 rpg. The Mk Vad a‘sngl 0.80In Cot Bowring wih 200 9 squadrons quickly followed — $30 i May. 823, 831 and 847 in June, 822 in July, S13 ‘and 829 in October and 817 with $26 in December, ‘These squadrons were formed into TBR Wings to operate as part of a carter force, ‘The 8th TBR Wing comprised 827 and 830 Squadrons embarked aboard HMS Furious: 826 became part of the Sth TBR Wing and joined HIMS Indefarigable; 810. and_847 joined HMS Mlustrous as the 21st TBR Wing: 822 and 823 became the 45th TBR intended for indefatigable and no less than four Barracuda squadrons, 815, 817, 829 and 831 formed the S2nd TBR Wing for HMS Victorious, but 815 and 817 left to ‘The mysterious “spy Barracuda P9T85/G with two ‘Cuda’ Moats to cary the agents (MM) FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT PAGE 29form the 12th TBR Wing One early strike by Barracudas fell to 827/830 Squadrons on 5 February 1944 when they dive-bombed and destroyed a beached freighter near Stadlandet, Norway In fact Norway, and in particular the ship. ping lanes, known as the Leads, off the coast of Norway, provided an excellent raining ground for the Barracuda, Contrary to popular belief Barracudas did carry out torpedo attacks off the coast of Norway and some 16 strikes were made Usually the attacking force would have one or two Barracudas with torpedoes and the rest with bombs, ‘An ant-shipping stike on 26 April by the 8th and S2nd TBR Wings was the start of a series of such attacks to test out the Barracuda, the TBR Wings and “blood” the new naval aviators, During operations over the next seven months of so only one Barracuda was lost in action. This was BV950 flown by SubLt. (A) J. D, Hertol RNZNVR, of 827 Squadron when his air craft was hit by flak and dived into the sea On 6 May 1944 two enemy convoys off Hoy and Kristiansund were attacked by the ‘th TBR Wing in ideal weather conditions. Inthe frst strike three of the Barracudas car ried bombs and the forth a torpedo. Fighter lng maintenance, Lots to observe, wing fla, cOVer Was provided by Grumman Wildcats locking pins in undercarriage leg, observer's panel and hooding. Below: Loading a mne on The torpedo machine, P9960 flown by ‘Barracuda i RK328. These could be carried onthe torpedo bracketo:(Ai-Briain Sub.Lt.(A)J.A. Brown, RNVR, of 827 was shot down by flak before he could release his weapon. Two merchantmen were wcked and damaged, one left burning, by the other three Barracudas. A second strike ‘merchant ships, escorted ps, was made using torpe «does and bombs, leaving two ships on fir One aircraft was los, Barractda BV937 flown by Sub Lt. J.A. Grant, RNVR, of 830, Squadron. During the period October 26 to 28 the 2nd TBR Wing, operating from Formidable caried out & further series of {isoned afta take-of and had an elastic ‘ensure they fel lear ofthe torpedo tai, when fea (RN) PAGE 30 FAIREY BARRACUDA WARPAINT