Supermarine Swift Interceptor Aircraft / Low-Level Reconnaissance Fighter - History, Specs and Pictures

Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 8/30/2010

The Supermarine Swift never lived up to the intended purpose of high-level interception and was instead relegated to low-level reconnaissance duties.

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The Supermarine Swift series of aircraft was initially designed to supplant the aging and outclassed post-World War Two Gloster Meteor turbojet fighters and was a further development of the Supermarine Attacker. The system would become Britain's first swept-back wing design and feature a full-afterburn capable Nene powerplant (later models would feature the Rolls-Royce Avon engine). Along with a full tricycle landing gear design, the system was a step above the previous incarnation of the Supermarine Attacker (detailed elsewhere on this site).

The Swift was, much like the Attacker before it, a very rudimentary design. The identifiable swept-back wing system was low-mounted onto the fuselage which featured twin air intakes on either side of the cockpit seating area, feeding into the single powerplant held at rear. A single rudder assembly was mounted above the jet exhaust and smaller elevators were also present. Beyond this, the Swift had very little to recommend itself.

Initially intended as a high-level interceptor though in practice proved to be a better low-level reconnaissance platform fighter instead. As such, only one squadron was ever fully fitted with the Supermarine Swift combat system. Once in full operational status, the system proved to be quite a fatally flawed design - particularly by suffering from engine flameouts - amounting to the system being removed from service in 1955 However, the reconnaissance forms continued to serve until the early 1970's. In the end, the Swift left much to be desired and was shortly outclassed by bigger, faster and better alternatives - mainly the Hawker Hunter.

To its credit, the Supermarine Swift did operate effectively in the reconnaissance role though the fighter form was never to see combat of any type. By the last production variant, the Swift was a competent form which saw many of its deficiencies irons out including the powerplant and handling issues. The Swift was the basis of several short-lived speed records as well before being forced into retirement. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Supermarine Swift
Interceptor Aircraft / Low-Level Reconnaissance Fighter

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: Supermarine - UK
Initial Year of Service: 1954
Production: 197

Focus Model: Supermarine Swift FR.5
Crew: 1

Length: 41.99ft (12.8m)
Width: 32.48ft (9.90m)
Height: 13.45ft (4.10m)
Weight (Empty): 13,435lbs (6,094kg)
Weight (MTOW): 20,679lbs (9,380kg)

Powerplant: 1 x Rolls-Royce Avon 113 turbojet engine developing 7,175lbs of thrust.

Maximum Speed: 713mph (1,147kmh; 619kts)
Maximum Range: 631miles (1,015km)
Service Ceiling: 45,801ft (13,960m; 8.7miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 0 feet per minute (0m/min)

Hardpoints: 0
Armament Suite:
2 x 30mm ADEN cannons

Variants:
F.Mk 1 - Initial Production Model Designation; grounded by design flaws.

F.Mk 2 - Fighter Variant; grounded by design flaws.

F.Mk 3 - Fighter Variant; fitted with Rolls-Royce Avon 114 engine with afterburn; 25 examples produced.

F.Mk 4 - Fighter Variant; variable incidence tailplane instituted to help correct flight handling.

FR.5 - Converted Low-Level Reconnaissance Platform; at least 35 converted from F.Mk 4 airframes; lengthened nose section for specialized camera equipment.

PR.6 - Proposed Unarmed Photo-Reconnaissance Variant.

F.Mk 7 - Proposed Fighter with provision to carry guided missiles.

Operators:
United Kingdom

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