Classic British Aircraft - Fairey Gannet

The Fairey Gannet was an anti-submarine warfare aircraft designed for use by the Royal Navy. It first flew in 1949 and entered service with the Fleet Air Arm in 1953. Initially used as a carrier borne anti-submarine and strike aircraft, it was able to find submerged submarines and attack them. Later versions were used as AEW (airborne early warning) aircraft, carrying a radar scanner in a radome beneath the aircraft. It's rugged air frame enabled it to remain in service until the late 1970s.

[jackx]

"A gentleman's aircraft" - only an Englishman would come out with a description like that
:)
What an amazing feat of engineering the Gannet was!

[scopex]

She IS a beauty in her own right and we miss them.

[jackywhite]

A wonderful aircraft. As mad about aeroplanes at 80 as I was at 10 yo, the Gannet was always a favourite. Not too many people realised it was a twin-engined machine.
At an air show years ago, I was surprised to have a retired FAA pilot tell us they used to land at almost full throttle - just in case they were waved off.

[jonboy]

A wonderful aircraft flew by wonderful men. Peter Twist was an enigmatic flyer who was highly influential in the development of post war aircraft in the UK and especially this marvellous example of British engineering - RIP Sir!

[trob]

A beautiful example of aeronautical innovation! The ability to cruise on one engine, swapping them around was ingenious! I love the Gannet!!👍🏽🇺🇸

[sabeillard]

Great documentary of a absolutely amazing aircraft that served British Navy. Congrats from Portugal 👍🇵🇹

[andrewjacklin]

This reminds me of my childhood again, tuning into Discovery Wings and watching Classic British Aircraft with Dad. Oh I miss those days!

[nicholasbell]

There is a Gannet at the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum. It's in fair condition, but parked outside. They have a double Mamba also, in their engine collection in the old watch office.

[dezmondwhitney]

Thank You. As a 1960s schoolboy I remember looking these aircraft up and watching clips of them occasionally on the television. My Older cousin, John Bartlett, was I believe the 3rd crew member on a Fairey Gannet, although I cannot remember on which aircraft carrier he served in. I was taken with its twin propeller arrangement, its robustness and its ability to do what it was designed for. An impressive aircraft.

[suminshizzles]

Must have been lovely to fly. The two engines must have given many a pilot a safe feeling. I think she is pretty. Versatile.

[ianseddon]

Super film, I remember making an Airfix model Gannet more than 50 years ago. Thank you for posting this.

[philalcoceli]

Form follows function and this airplane was excellent for what it was designed, like an A-10 Warthog, joining tne ranks of aircraft called "ugly" by some, but so, so beautiful at fullfilling the ir jobs and missions. Great plane! Thank you for the excellent video!

[henrys.]

When Britain designed and manufactured their own aircraft.
👍🇺🇲🇬🇧

[davelawday]

Absolutely love this series...thanks for sharing these gems..😊 kind regards Dave

[russefrance]

I went to one of the Biggin Hill airshows around 1968 as a young sprog and recall the commentator saying that if we smile, the Gannet can pick up gold fillings😄

[coolhand]

The Royal Australian Navy operated the Gannet also, probably longer than the RN. I remember seeing one at the Camden Air Museum in the 1970's. It was just enormous looking to me as a boy.

[samgraham]

I seem to recall that they liked to play a trick on the crowds as air shows: they would come in low and slow, and then shut down one engine. There were always gasps when the crowd saw the propeller stop!

[spaceace]

It appears to have a more extensive exhaust system than most planes!

[chrisb]

Never new they routinely feathered one engine when cruising

[josemoreno]

Cool looking British aircraft from the Cold War era. Good video. 👍. Hello from Buckeye, Arizona USA 🌵.