TYPE: Carrier-borne torpedo bomber, reconnaissance
ACCOMMODATION: Crew of three
POWER PLANT: One Bristol Taurus XII radial engine, rated at 1,130 hp
PERFORMANCE: 161 mph
COMMENT: The Fairey Albacore was a British single-engine carrier-borne biplane torpedo bomber built by Fairey Aviation between 1939 and 1943 for the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and used during the Second World War. It was designed for spotting and reconnaissance as well as level bombing, dive bombing and as a torpedo bomber. The Albacore, popularly known as the “Applecore”, was conceived as a replacement for the ageing Fairey Swordfish , which had entered service in 1936. The Albacore served with the Swordfish and was retired before it, being replaced by the Fairey Barracuda and Grumman Avenger torpedo bombers. A total of 800 Albacores were built (Ref.: 23).