World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseBarracuda attack aircraft were the first British aircraft of this type to be constructed entirely of metal, replacing the wood-and-canvas Albacore biplanes that the British Fleet Air Arm employed. They entered service on 10 Jan 1943 and were found with British fleets in both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean by 1944, participating various missions such as attacking surface vessels and conducting anti-submarine patrols. Although they were originally designed as torpedo bombers, they were more effective as dive bombers due to the fact that the engine lacked the power to properly handle the weight of a torpedo during flight. Additionally, the powerful Youngman flaps doubled as excellent air brakes, the usage of which was an integral part of dives. Barracuda aircraft played a critical part in the disabling of battleship Tirpitz on 3 Apr 1944, which was accomplished by dive bombing. Pilots also enjoyed the excellent range of vision provided by the wide cockpit canopy, though some complaints were reported of the aircraft's slow rate of climb. Later on in the war, a problem was discovered where leaking hydraulic fluid was producing ether fumes into the cockpits and disabling the pilots. After some fatal crashes, the decision was made to equip Barracuda aircraft with oxygen masks and require their use.

ww2dbaseBarracuda aircraft were gradually replaced by US-built TBF Avenger aircraft during and after the war; the last few remained in service with the Fleet Air Arm until mid-1950s.

Barracuda Timeline

SPECIFICATIONS

Mk II

Machinery	One Rolls-Royce Merlin 32 liquid-cooled V12 engine rated at 1,640hp
Armament	2x7.7mm Vickers K machine guns, 735kg bomb/torpedo carrying capacity
Crew	3
Span	14.99 m
Length	12.12 m
Height	4.60 m
Wing Area	37.62 m²
Weight, Empty	4,445 kg
Weight, Loaded	5,715 kg
Weight, Maximum	6,385 kg
Speed, Maximum	340 km/h
Speed, Cruising	315 km/h
Service Ceiling	6,585 m
Range, Normal	1,165 km

Photographs

Visitor Submitted Comments

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2.  Alan Chanter says:
9 Apr 2014 12:54:02 AM

The Barracuda was introduced into the Pacific theatre of war in April 1944 by No.810 and 847 Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm embarked in HMS Illustrious. These are known to have supported US Navy dive bombers engaged in attacks on Japanese installations in Sumatra.

4.  C. Peter Chen says:
14 Apr 2015 06:55:26 PM

Thank you, the typographical error has been corrected.