The Firefly as Fairey's heavy naval fighter ideal

The Firefly shows what Fairey's two-seat naval fighter could become once sufficient engine power and modern armament were available. Its Rolls-Royce Griffon, four 20 mm cannon, rockets, bombs, radar, radio, and night-flying instruments supported offensive strikes and all-weather fleet defence. That equipment met naval demands for range, navigation, reconnaissance, and combat capability in one aircraft. The comparison provides a technical benchmark for understanding why the Fulmar fell short. The Firefly's later service in Korea also carried the design beyond the Second World War.