Fairey Seal

A further development of the IIIF Mk VI went under the designation Seal. The Seal was the Fleet Air Arm version of the Gordon and was operated as a three-seat spotter-reconnaissance biplane. Equipment unique to the Seal were a tailwheel, wheel brakes, catapult points, flotation gear, slinging gear and an arrester hook, enabling it to be used from aircraft carriers and as a seaplane from warships.

90 were delivered to the FAA between 1933 and 1935 (the 91st Seal ordered but thought not to have been delivered.

Seals were also sold to Peru, Latvia, Argentina and Chile. Late in their career a number of Seals passed into RAF service, remaining operational in Ceylon during the early years of World War II.

Engine; 1 x 525hp Armstrong Siddeley Panther IIA
Max take-off weight; 2724 kg / 6005 lb
Wingspan; 13.94 m / 45 ft 9 in
Length; 10.26 m / 33 ft 8 in
Height; 3.89 m / 12 ft 9 in
Wing area; 41.20 sq.m / 443.47 sq ft
Max. speed; 222 km/h / 138 mph
Ceiling; 5182 m / 17000 ft
Range; 773 km / 480 miles
Armament; 2 x 7.7mm machine-guns, 2 x 110kg bombs
Crew; 3