With Aerocraft Models conversion set
Feature Article with Mark Rooks
Before we get started, here’s a look at how it all turned out…
Introduction…
The Fairy Gannet T5 was a trainer based on the Gannet A.S.4. The first T5 made its maiden flight from Northolt on 1 March 1957. Both training versions of the Gannet were of great value in the training of pilots to getting used to an aircraft with a ‘double’ turbo-prop engine and contra-rotating propellers. Besides assisting pilots to convert to the Gannet a training version would also allow trainee pilots to practice deck landings and launches from carriers in the company of an instructor who could assume control should the need arise. The aircraft’s ventral radome was deleted and dual controls and instrumentation were installed in the second cockpit. As the student pilot would sit in the front cockpit and in order to improve the forward vision of the instructor, the shape of the tunnel between the canopies was slightly changed and a periscope was mounted immediately ahead of the instructor’s sliding canopy. Provision was made in the rear cockpit for either a radio operator or two passengers.
(Photo: Fairey Gannet T.5 XG883 (ex 849 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Brawdy) seen here while held in storage at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Currently on display at the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, Woodley. Courtesy Mike Freer, Touchdown Aviation)
The Kit
As there have been 3 outstanding builds in this magazine of the Gannet by Dave C (AS.1/A.4) and Dave C again (COD.4) Stuart M and Richard A. I’ll crack on and focus more on the conversion and painting side involved in the construction of this particular version.