12 Sqn were the sole RAF squadron operating the Fox. They were based at RAF Andover.
Klaatu83, e-mail, 24.09.2012 01:19
The drawing depicts the original Curiss-engined Fox, the photo is of the Kestrel-engined Fox II.
Richard Fairey believed that the airplane designers were being handicapped by the Air Ministry's unimaginative specifications. He built the Fox day bomber as a private venture to demonstrate to the bureaucrats just how good an airplane could be when it wasn't hamstrung by their outmoded specifications.
Unfortunately, the success of the Fox did not translate into sales for Fairey. In fact, when the Air Ministry eventually issued a specification for a new day bomber based upon the success of the Fox, Fairey wasn't even invited to submit a proposal! The winner was the Hawker Hart.
Since the RAF wasn't interested in the Fox, Fairey was permitted to market it for export. Later versions were sold to the Belgian Air Force, and Fairey even established a subsidiary company to built Foxes under license in Belgium. A few Foxes were used operationally against the German invasion in 1940.
mark wickers, e-mail, 06.10.2011 21:20
Hi i have achassis plate for a Fairey Fox no F 955 does anyone no where i can find out about this aircraft please ?
max houghton, e-mail, 05.08.2011 12:04
WFEL started life as the Fairey Aviation Company.We now manufacture tactical military bridges that are sold world wide. Our logo is taken from the squadron crest of No 12 Sqn Royal Air Force that was equipped with the Fairey Fox. I am keen to acquire a model of the Fairey Fox for display purposes at our HQ in Stockport UK.Does anyone know where i might find a model? Thanks.
Barry, 14.03.2011 18:46
Well Leona I'm with you, it is frustrating not having the output of the engines in the nomenclature that they were designed. Someone somewhere has gone to a lot of trouble to convert h.p. to k.w. Suffice to say that the Kestrel fitted to the Fox developed 490h.p. The original engine was the Fairey built Curtiss D12 engine known as the Fairey Felix which developed 480 h.p. Richard Fairey had gone to America and had been impressed by the Curtiss engine which allowed for very close cowling and on his return got Marcelle Lobelle and P A Ralli to design an aeroplane around the engine. The Fox as noted was so much better than anything else that the RAF had that it was ordered by Lord Trenchard immediately for service. As noted elsewhere they went to No12 Squadron who to this day commerate this aircraft on the Squadron badge symbolised by a fox's head. Fairey set up Avions Fairey in Belgium where a 170 aircraft was ordered by the Aeronautique Miltaire the last 90 were the 860 h.p. Hispano Suiza powered Fox VI, which featured a three bladed prop spatted wheels and enclosed cockpit. They fought through to 1940 and were all destroyed in the Blitzkreig.
Anna Rock, e-mail, 13.06.2009 05:05
can I please use your photos on our web?
Jim Brennan, e-mail, 01.01.2008 07:07
Am interested in building an r/c model of the Mk1.95" w/span. Have some 3 views but would like to get a book or mag with construction details. If you know of any, could you tell me how and where I might purchase same. Thanks.
LEONA, e-mail, 18.12.2007 03:03
I LOVE THE SITE AND ALL, BUT COULD YOU TRANSLATE KILOWATTS TO HORSEPOWER? THANK YOU.
pete, e-mail, 22.07.2007 13:48
Are any accurate drawings available for the Mk1 and Mk1A hope you can help