This latest edition of Airframe Album concentrates on the Fairey Barracuda. This aircraft was to be a replacement for the Fairey Albacore and was supposed to put a modern torpedo/recon aircraft for the Fleet Air Arm. As is often the case with new aircraft being developed, there were some major issues regarding the proper engine with the experimental Boreas 24 cylinder air cooled engine running into major issues. It was finally decided that the engine was never going to reach production and there was a major attempt to find a useful powerplant. The Merlin was eventually chosen and the variant chosen was found to be less than useful with the aircraft being underpowered. When the Mk.II was brought into service, it used a later Merlin that took care of the power issue.

The airframe itself went through major changes as well including raising the tail planes to try to cure tail flutter issues. This required it to be braced, though did not totally cured the problem. It was discovered that flutter during landing was still an issue. It was discovered that this was caused by the canopy being open and causing buffetting. This was cured by putting in a bulkhead right behind the pilot.

The type finally entered active service for the last year of the war and had a role post war, but did not stay in service much past the 1940s other than in a training and secondary roles.

The book follows the usual script with a history of the type, the different variants, close up images using technical manuals, museum planes, and period images. There is a section on the differences between airframes and one on the various camouflage schemes worn by the aircraft.  This series is not specifically a model building offering but there is a full build article of the 1/72 Special Hobby kit. We also are provided with the usual listing of kits, decals and accessories near the end.

In all, a most welcome addition to what is a superb series of books and well worth the effort of picking up.

August 2023

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