1:72 Scale Metal Diecast ? Fairey Swordfish W5856 "City of Leeds" Navy Wings Heritage Flight, livery of 820 Naval Air Squadron, Bismarck attack, 1941 ? Length: 6" Wingspan: 7.5? This model is made of a combination of diecast metal and plastic parts. The landing gear is fixed. A stand where the model can be attached for display is included. There is nothing to do, the model comes already assembled and painted. What is shown in the photos is how the model will look when taken out of the box. This is not a toy. Recommended for 15 and up. The Fairey Swordfish was a biplane torpedo bomber, designed by the Fairey Aviation Company. Originating in the early 1930s, the Swordfish, nicknamed "Stringbag", was principally operated by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was also used by the Royal Air Force (RAF), as well as several overseas operators, including the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Netherlands Navy. It was initially operated primarily as a fleet attack aircraft. During its later years, the Swordfish was increasingly used as an anti-submarine and training platform. The type was in frontline service throughout the Second World War. In May 1941, Swordfish helped pursue and sink the German battleship Bismarck. On 24 May, nine Swordfish from HMS Victorious flew a late night sortie against the Bismarck under deteriorating weather conditions. Using ASV radar, the flight were able to spot and attack the ship, resulting in a single torpedo hit that only caused minor damage. Bismarck's evasive manoeuvres, however, made it easier for her enemies to catch up. On 26 May, Ark Royal launched two Swordfish strikes against Bismarck. The first failed to locate the ship. The second attack scored two torpedo hits, one of which jammed the ship's rudders at a 12 port helm. This made Bismarck unmanoeuvrable and unable to escape to port in France. She sank after intense Royal Navy attack within 13 hours. Some of the Swordfish flew so low that most of Bismarck's flak weapons could not depress enough to hit them.