Fairey Firefly AS.5
Fairey · UK · first flew 1947 · reconnaissance aircraft
The AS.5 is the post-war anti-submarine Firefly, updated with clipped power-folding wings, wing-root radiators giving a clean pointed nose, a Griffon 74 driving a four-blade propeller, and APS-4 search radar in a starboard underwing pod — turning the wartime fighter into a capable ASW platform for Commonwealth navies.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, elliptical |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.56 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- APS-4 search radar pod under the starboard wing with a matching fuel pod under the port wing — the paired underwing pods are unique to the post-war ASW marks
- Clean pointed nose with wing-root leading-edge radiators — the Mk I's deep chin 'beard' radiator bath is gone entirely
- Clean pointed nose with wing-root leading-edge radiators — the Mk I's deep chin 'beard' radiator bath is gone entirely
The paired underwing pods — radar to starboard, fuel to port — are the definitive AS.5 fit. Canopy shape does NOT discriminate: every Firefly mark kept the two separate framed sliding hoods; no Firefly ever had a bubble canopy. Against Mk I: clean pointed nose (wing-root radiators) vs deep chin radiator bath, taller squared fin vs rounded, four-blade vs three-blade prop, clipped 12.55 m wing vs the full 13.56 m ellipse. Against FR.4 (same nose and wing): the underwing pod pair and power-folding wings are the AS.5 giveaways.
Specifications
- The Fairey Firefly AS.5 has a length of 11.56 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.55 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 618 km/h (384 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown 1947; 352 AS.5s built, the most produced post-war Firefly variant. It equipped RN, RCN, RNZAF, and RAN anti-submarine squadrons through the early 1950s before being replaced by the Gannet. The AS.6 followed with improved radar. The Firefly AS.5 also served as a target tug and trainer.
Variants
AS.6 (improved ASM.I radar), AS.7 (completely redesigned three-seat version, different aircraft effectively), T.1/T.2/T.3 (trainers based on AS.5 airframe).
Where you'll see it
RN, RCN, RNZAF, RAN, Netherlands Navy. Retired from frontline RN service by 1956. Preserved examples at Yeovilton and with RNZAF Museum.
Related aircraft
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