Fairey Firefly AS.5

The Fairey Firefly AS.5 was the anti-submarine version of the multi-purpose Firefly Mk.5, and was equipped with submarine detection gear carried under the wings. The AS.5 carried an ARI 5284 radio altimeter, and an ARI 5286 sonobuoy, with the controls in the observer's cockpit. Twelve British sonobuoys could be carried under the wings, as could two 250lb depth charges.

The AS.5 entered service with No.810 Squadron on 17 October 1949. It was used alongside the AS.6, which entered service in 1951, and saw service in the North Sea and the Mediterranean with a number of squadrons. In many cases squadrons operated the AS.6 for relatively short periods of time, often converting to the FR.5 for tours of Korea. 

Engine: Griffon 74
Power: 2,004hp at take-off, 2,245hp at altitude
Crew: 2
Wing span: 41ft 17in
Length: 37ft 11in
Height: 13ft 11in
Empty Weight: 9,674lb
Loaded Weight: 16,096lb
Max Speed: 386mph at 14,000ft
Cruising Speed:
Service Ceiling: 31,900ft
Range: 760 miles
Armament: Four 20mm Aden cannon
Bomb-load: Sixteen 60lb rockets or two 2,000lb bombs

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (31 January 2010), Fairey Firefly AS.5 , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_fairey_firefly_AS5.html

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