Fairey P.4/34
Fairey Aviation · United Kingdom · first flew 1937 · bomber
The Fairey P.4/34 was a competitor for an Air Ministry order for a light bomber for the Royal Air Force. It formed the basis for the Fulmar carrier-based fighter.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.19 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- All-metal low-wing monoplane with a long glazed canopy over tandem crew
- Layout similar to the Fairey Battle but smaller
- Wide-track inward-retracting undercarriage
A Battle-like monoplane carrying two 250 lb bombs underwing, with the crew of two in tandem under a long glazed canopy.
Specifications
- The Fairey P.4/34 has a length of 12.19 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.44 m (47 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 455 km/h (283 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Specification P.4/34 called for a light bomber that could also be used in a close-support role. The first of two Fairey prototypes flew on 13 January 1937, powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin.
Variants
The second prototype was modified with a reduced-span wing and lowered tailplane as an aerodynamic prototype for the Fulmar.
Where you'll see it
The competing Hawker aircraft was deemed superior. The Royal Danish Navy bought a licence, but none of twelve aircraft ordered was completed before the German invasion of 1940.
Related aircraft
- Fairey Albacore
- Fairey Battle
- Fairey Fulmar
- Fairey Gordon
- Aero A.104
- Aero A.304
- Amiot 350 family
- Arado Ar 195
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