Naval Aviation

IMAM RO.43 (1934)

by

The standard Italian onboard observation floatplane Aviazione Ausiliaria per la Regia Marina 193 built 1934-41 In WW2, the bulk of Regia Marina units were equipped in June 1940 with a sturdy biplane introduced in 1935: The Romeo (IMAM) Ro.43. It replaced the Piaggio P.6 in service from 1928. It was about time as the latter … Read more

Supermarine Walrus (1936)

by

Supermarine Walrus (1936) RNAS/FAA 1936-44: 740 built. The common British WW2 spotter seaplane Supermarine Walrus I parked on catapults in HMS Exeter, 1930s Supermarine, headed by lead designer Reginald Joseph Mitchell which practically died at his desk on 11 June 1937 (aged 42), giving birth to the war-winning Spitfire to his beloved country, also spawn … Read more

Nakajima E8N “Dave”

by

Nakajima E8N “Dave” (1934) Imperial Japanese Navy, 755 built The “Dave”, standard IJN observation seaplane The Nakajima E8N was a Japanese ship-borne and catapult-launched reconnaissance seaplane which saw service mostly during the Second Sino-Japanese War. This single-engine, two-seat biplane was given a main ventral float complemented by underwing outriggers. Not fast, but reliable and with … Read more

Fairey Swordfish

by

Fairey Swordfish (1935) Fleet Air Arm 1935-43: 2,391 built. The proverbial British torpedo bomber The “string bag”, Swordfish, made by the British Fairey company, is fondly remembered now, cementing its place in the hall of fame of aviation due to its actions during WW2 and showing fighting qualities that outshined many other biplanes of the … Read more