Q&A · 33:44-34:30

Could the Fairey Gannet carry a torpedo?

The Gannet already had the payload and bomb-bay volume needed for a torpedo, subject mainly to the dimensions of the chosen weapon.

Question

How much larger would the Fairey Gannet need to be to serve as a torpedo bomber?

Short answer

Probably not larger at all; its payload and bomb bay were already adequate if the selected torpedo physically fitted.

Notes

The Fairey Gannet could carry roughly 2,000 pounds of bombs, torpedoes, or depth charges and had a substantial internal bay. It probably needed no larger airframe to become a torpedo bomber. The main constraint was whether the chosen torpedo would physically fit the bay.