Fairey Aviation Co: Fairey III
Note: This is a sub-section of Fairey Aviation Co.
The Fairey III was a family of British reconnaissance biplanes that enjoyed a very long production and service history in both land plane and seaplane variants. First flying on September 14 1917, examples were still in use during World War II.
Most Fairey IIIs were powered by Napier Lion 12-cylinder liquid-cooled engines but some, including the Australian IIIDs, were powered by the 375-hp (280 kW) Eagle VII. The naval variants were usually three-seaters; pilot, observer and gunner and the wings would could be folded back parallel to the fuselage for storage aboard ship. In floatplane configuration, carrier-borne Fairey IIIs would be launched from the deck using a trolley and would land on the water upon their return. The Fairey III floatplane could also be catapult-launched from a ship.
IIIA - 50 built
IIIB - Bomber seaplane. 30 built.
IIIC - General purpose sea plane. 30 built.
IIID - Produced from 1924-30 and a total of 227 / 207 were produced in land or seaplane configuration.
IIIF - Naval reconnaissance plane from 1927-33 with two / three crew and powered by the 570 hp Napier Lion XI. 622 were built. Had a landing speed of 51 mph so was suited to carrier landings. A number were converted to Gordons.