The fifth prototype of the final version of the Barracuda. Fitted with a RR Griffin engine because the Merlin-engined Barracuda was considered underpowered. With World War II over and the Royal Navy's needs changing, only 37 were built. Photo from: Imperial War Museums

Prototype Barracuda at about the time of its first flight. Three years were to pass before the Barracuda finally entered FAA service. Photo from: Imperial War Museums

Photo assumed taken by Charles E Brown during an air-to-air shoot from Ringway on 2 November 1942. P9659 had first flown two days earlier and was delivered to No 827 Sqn at Stretton in January 1943, the first unit to receive the Barracuda. The type struggled with overweight and only 27 Mk.Is were built. Fitted with more powerful engines, the Barracuda was eventually produced in large numbers, but never liked much in service. Photo by: Charles Brown / Life

The Fairey Barracuda was still in Fleet Air Arm service in the early 1950s but not with first-line units. The GN code belonged to No 737 Sqn, based at RNAS Eglinton in Northern Ireland in 1950-51. It is not explained what this aircraft was doing in Sweden. Photo by: Georg Eriksson / Flygvapenmuseum

'The Barracuda, the Navy's new torpedo bomber.' P9926 ditched near East Haven, Scotland, on 28 January 1945, then serving with No 767 NAS in the deck landing training role. Photo by: Sidney James Beadell / Imperial War Museums

Newly completed Barracuda TF.V wearing late wartime-style camouflage and fin flash. The taller pointed fin peculiar to this late Griffon-engined Barracuda variant is clearly visible. Earlier marks had the Merlin and a lower fin.

Over 2500 Barracuda torpedo bombers were delivered to the Royal Navy in WW II making it the most numerous type they operated. However, not one was preserved and this ambitious project is to restore a composite aircraft for display in the FAA Museum. Parts from several crashed examples have been collected since the 1970s and restoration and re-assembly started in 2010. It is seen in Cobham Hall, the FAA Museum Reserve Collection

This Barracuda II was written off landing at Fearn at night in a crosswind on 15 December 1944. It was serving 814 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. It had been built by Fairey Aviation at Ringway in April 1944. From Fairey Aviation 50 years ago.

Barracuda TF.V tactical strike aircraft newly completed by Faireys at Ringway. This late, and less common, version had the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. Later flown by 783 Squadron FAA from Lee-on-Solent. Withdrawn from service in August 1950.

Newly built at Ringway, this Barracuda is being prepared for delivery by the ground staff of the based 14 Ferry Pool, Air Transport Auxiliary. It was ferried by the pilot shown to No. 812 Squadron FAA. Obtained from an ATA pilot many years ago.

The Barracuda production line at Fairey Aviation's Stockport, Cheshire, factory in early 1943. P9730 is front left and has its Merlin engine fitted. It will be roaded the six miles to Manchester (Ringway) Airport for final assembly and flight testing. Delivered in March 1943, it served with 810 Squadron Fleet Air Arm aboard HMS Illustrious. From Fairey's 60 years ago.