Fairey IIID
The Fairey IIID seaplane first flew in 1920, and was originally ordered for service with the Royal Australian Navy. In 1921, six aircraft were delivered with the marking 'ANA' (for Australian Naval Aircraft) on the fuselage and rudder. Subsequently taken over by the newly-formed RAAF, these aircraft were renumbered A10-1 to A10-6.
Operating from Point Cook, the seaplanes were used for survey and reconnaissance, and pioneered many flights along the Australian coastline. Co-operation exercises were carried out with naval units and, in June 1924, a Fairey IIID was attached to HMAS Geranium for hydrographic work on the Great Barrier Reef.
Most famous of the Faireys was A10-3 in which Wing Commander Goble and Flight Lieutenant McIntyre completed the first flight around Australia. During April and May 1924, the aircraft covered 8,568 miles in 90 flying hours over an uncharted course and in face of numerous difficulties. The flyers were awarded the 1924 Britannia Trophy, and the contemporary press classed the flight "the finest in the history of aviation".
TECHNICAL DATA: Fairey IIID
DESCRIPTION:
Three-seat survey and spotter-reconnaissance seaplane. Wooden structure, fabric covered.
POWER PLANT:
One 375 hp Rolls Royce Eagle VIII.
DIMENSIONS:
Span 14.05 m (46ft 1.25 in); Length 11.28 m (37ft); Height 3.44 m (11ft 4in).
WEIGHTS:
Empty 1473 kg (3248lb); loaded 2231 kg (4918lb).
ARMAMENT:
One 0.303 Vickers gun forward and one Lewis gun aft.
PERFORMANCE:
Max speed 171 km/h (106mph); Climb 7 mins to 5,000ft (1524 m); Range 885 km (550 miles); Service ceiling 17,000ft (5182 m)
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