Blackburn crews could extend endurance without putting the rear crew member waist-deep in fuel. Fairey Swordfish long-range tanks used on the flight to Taranto could leave observers sitting in aviation fuel or with their clothes soaked by it. They endured that exposure while Italian anti-aircraft fire burst around them. The comparison exposes a crew-safety cost that headline range and endurance figures do not show.
Notable Point · 33:51-34:31
Long-range fuel exposed Swordfish observers at Taranto
Unlike the Blackburn, Swordfish long-range tank arrangements could leave rear crew sitting in or soaked with aviation fuel during the attack on Taranto.