Supermarine Swift
Supermarine · United Kingdom · first flew 1948 · fighter
The Supermarine Swift was the RAF's first swept-wing jet fighter, entering service in 1954, but it was plagued by dangerous handling characteristics at altitude and was quickly withdrawn from the fighter role. It achieved greater success as a low-level tactical reconnaissance aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Single Rolls-Royce Avon in a long oval-section fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- RAF's first swept-wing jet fighter — briefly in service
- Single Rolls-Royce Avon in a long oval-section fuselage
- Short career due to severe handling problems at altitude
Elliptical fuselage cross-section, moderately swept wings, and a single nose inlet similar to the Hunter. Distinguished from the Hunter by its larger overall size, different wing root and a less refined wing planform.
Specifications
- The Supermarine Swift has a length of 12.88 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.86 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1110 km/h (690 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed alongside the Hawker Hunter as competing swept-wing fighters, the Swift entered RAF service in 1954 with No. 56 Squadron. Severe pitch-up problems and engine limitations at altitude led to rapid withdrawal from the interceptor role by 1955. The FR Mk 5 reconnaissance variant, equipped with cameras and operating at low level, had a more successful career with RAF Germany through to 1961.
Variants
F Mk 1 and 2 (early fighters), F Mk 3 and 4 (refined), FR Mk 5 (low-level reconnaissance — most successful), and the experimental Type 535 and 541 predecessors.
Where you'll see it
Served with the RAF's 2nd Tactical Air Force in Germany in the FR 5 role; the Swift holds the world air speed record it set in 1953 at 1,184 km/h. Not exported.
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