This is my proposal for the British Firefly. I also say "Request 1" with the assumption I'll probably come up with at least one other thing to suggest later on.
The Firefly was designed as a fleet reconnaissance aircraft for the UK's Royal Navy, and was derived from the Fairey Fulmar. First flown on 22 December 1941, the first versions were delivered in March 1943 to RNAS Yeovilton. The main version of the aircraft used during WWII was the Mk.1, which was used in all theaters of operation. Throughout its operational career, it took on increasingly more demanding roles, from fighter to anti-submarine warfare. Based on the aircraft carrier Indefatigable, it took part in the raid on the Tirpitz in September, 1944. It also took part in the Pacific and in January 1945, destroyed the Sumatra oil refineries. The Fairey Firefly Mk. I remained in service with the Royal Air Force until 1946.
Engine: One 2,250-hp Rolls-Royce Griffon 74 V-12 piston engine
Weight: Empty 9,674 lbs., Max Takeoff 16,096 lbs.
Wing Span: 41ft. 2in.
Length: 37ft. 11in.
Height: 14ft. 4in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 386 mph
Cruising Speed: 220 mph
Ceiling: 28,400 ft.
Range: 1,300 miles
Armament:
Four 20-mm cannon in wings
Underwing hardpoints for 16 60-pound rockets or two 1,000-pound bombs
Number Built: 1533
It is often said that we don't have enough carrier based planes. People don't generally think about this aircraft and that's why I suggested it. It may not be that pretty, but it would appear to be a good ground pounder. Just by looking at it, I would have to guess it would fly like a Typhoon, as well as being armed like one. Adding the Firefly would also double the amount of British carrier planes in the game. This also gives the perk point poor player a heavily armed plane, in regards to cannons, to up off a cv. The planes larger size and lesser manuverability wouldn't require it to be perked figuring a F4UC would be able to defeat it without much trouble.
All I ask is that it be considered. Obviously even if you decided to add it, it wouldn't be available for many many months. Just something to think about.
Edit: Changed out photo, thanks Guppy.
