The Pintail was Fairey's first wholly new postwar design and attempted to operate from land, water, and carrier decks. Three British prototypes used differing amphibious gear and fuselage arrangements, while a small Japanese order prompted another change to the upper wing. None of those variations translated into a useful service career. The obstructed landing view, awkward gun position, and ungainly arrangement show how a multi-environment requirement overwhelmed practicality.
Notable Point · 1:17:21-1:24:04
The Fairey Pintail shows the cost of an awkward amphibian requirement
A land, water, and carrier requirement produced a compromised fighter-reconnaissance amphibian with poor visibility and little service success.