The Plane Everyone Hated But Ended Up Saving The War

The Fairey Barracuda was an unconventional aircraft. With high wings, a T-tail, and an L-shaped landing gear, it looked peculiar, and many criticized its design. It was also underpowered for its size. Yet, despite these flaws, the Barracuda would play a pivotal role in taking on the most formidable ship of the German Navy during WWII.

The Barracuda’s Inception

By the late 1930s, the Fairey Swordfish was the Royal Navy’s go-to aircraft, but its design was quickly becoming outdated. Seeking a replacement, Fairey Aviation developed the Barracuda.

However, early models struggled to meet expectations. The plane’s heavy airframe, combined with an underpowered Merlin 30 engine, led to stability and maneuverability issues.

Key Features

The Barracuda Mk II, the most widely produced version, was a carrier-based torpedo and dive bomber. It was the Royal Navy’s first all-metal aircraft of its kind, a significant technological leap at the time. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 32 engine producing 1,640 horsepower, it could reach speeds of up to 228 mph, a range of 656 miles, and a service ceiling of 16,600 feet.

The Barracuda also boasted a hydraulically retractable undercarriage and a tailwheel for added stability during landings. A flush arrestor hook helped with carrier landings. An unusual T-tail arrangement, introduced after flight tests showed the need for more stability, became a defining feature. The aircraft was also equipped with Fairey-Youngman flaps, massive hydraulically controlled surfaces that acted as both dive brakes and landing aids, stabilizing steep dive bombing runs. The wings featured a folding mechanism, allowing the plane to be stored on cramped carriers.

For armament, the Barracuda carried two .303-inch machine guns for defense and a range of offensive payloads, including 1,500-pound bombs, depth charges, or torpedoes, making it versatile in both anti-shipping and anti-submarine roles.

Entering Service

The Barracuda entered service in January 1943, initially as a torpedo bomber. However, it quickly became clear that its true strength lay in its versatility. The aircraft was often used as a dive bomber against smaller ships and ground targets.

The Barracuda’s Moment of Glory

By 1944, the German battleship Tirpitz, a powerful symbol of Nazi naval strength, remained a major threat in the Arctic. In a series of daring operations, the Royal Navy launched multiple attacks on Tirpitz, with the Barracuda taking center stage. On April 3, 1944, 40 Barracudas attacked the ship, diving low over the fjord to strike at its vulnerable spots. Despite their best efforts, the Tirpitz withstood the bombardment in Operation Goodwood.

It wasn’t until later that year, when the Tirpitz was finally sunk by Avro Lancaster bombers armed with Tallboy bombs, that the mighty battleship was neutralized.

Decline and Legacy

The Barracuda’s contributions in the European theater were significant, but its time in the Pacific was short-lived. It was soon relegated to secondary roles, mainly serving as a trainer aircraft. After playing a crucial role in the war, the Barracuda was phased out of active service by the mid-1950s.

Despite its rocky start and unconventional design, the Fairey Barracuda ultimately earned its place as one of the Royal Navy’s unsung heroes, making a lasting impact on the outcome of WWII.