The Sea Vixen was originally designed to an RAF requirement for an all-weather interceptor, but lost the contract to the Gloster Javelin. Fortunately, the Royal Navy had a similar requirement for a carrier-based aircraft, & after trials on the HMS Albion, an order for 92 Sea Vixen FAW.Mk 1s was secured. The FAW.Mk1 had several useful features for use on a carrier, including a hinged radome, power-folding wings, & a hydraulically steerable nose wheel. Most of the Royal Navy’s Sea Vixens were upgraded to FAW.Mk 2 standard by 1964, including Red Top AAMs instead of the FAW.Mk1’s Firestreak AAMs. The Sea Vixen remained in service until 1971. 142 Sea Vixens were built in total, 50 FAW.Mk2s from new.

The Sea Vixen never performed in its intended role as an interceptor with the Fleet Air Arm, only ever flying in the all-weather strike role. The Sea Vixen could carry 1,000lb bombs, Bullpup ASMs & up to 28 folding-fin rockets in flip-out boxes beneath the cockpit floor.

Sea Vixen FAW.Mk2

Type: Two-seat all-weather strike fighter

Powerplant: two 5,094kg (11,230lb) Rolls-Royce Avon 208 turbojets

Performance: Max. speed 1,110km/h (690mph); Climb to 3,050m (10,000ft) in 1min 30 secs; Service ceiling 21,790m (48,000ft); Range about 800 miles

Dimensions: Wingspan 15.54m (51ft); Length 17.02m (55ft 7in); Height 3.28m (10ft 9in); Wing area 60.20m² (648ft²)

Weight: Empty weight 10,000kg (22,000lb); Max. take-off weight 18,858kg (41,575lb)

Armament: Four inboard wing pylons for 4 Red Top AAMs; Outboard pylons for 454kg (1,000lb) bombs, Bullpup ASMs or equivalent stores

[Back to Post-War Fleet Air Arm] [Home] [Jet Net UK Warzone] [Jet Net UK Photo] [Contact Jet Net UK]