Fairey Falcon, 1944.
Started as a private venture in 1939, the Fairey designers were awarded an Air Ministry specification so that funding could be provided for continued development. This was cancelled in 1940 as the Air Ministry poured money into traditional manufacturers and aircraft. The Admiralty stepped in as the Falcon was exactly the type of small, nimble fighter they required for all aircraft carrier types. The new type of 'Escort' carrier especially required a 'light' fighter that could operate from their shorter flight decks. First flight of the Falcon was October 1942. Further development flights followed with the aircraft showing such promise that a pre-production order for ten aircraft was placed with Fairey in 1943. Six of these aircraft were sent to 809 squadron for service evaluation aboard HMS Victorious. They proved extremely useful in downing the fighters flying air patrol over the Tirpitz so that the bombers could attack the battleship, putting the Tirpitz out of action for several months. Accepted for full production, the first production models were assigned to the new aircraft carrier Implacable which sailed to join the British Pacific Fleet in late 1944.
Pilots described the acceleration of the Falcon as like having a rocket strapped to their back. In mock dogfights on the long trip from the UK to Sydney, the Falcon consistently outfought and outflew the Corsair and Hellcats aboard the other carriers of the group. Eventually to make them even more useful as fighter bombers, hardpoints were fitted for 2x250lb bombs or drop tanks, plus underwing pylons could be fitted for 6 of the 60lb rocket projectiles. The main gun armament of four 20mm cannon in the nose being superior to the 0.5" Browning machine guns on the Corsairs and Hellcats. Level speeds of 450-460mph were regularly attained with over 500mph in a dive.