The prototype Fulmar naval fighter N1854 made its first flight from Ringway on 4 January 1940. A total of 600 were built here. This aircraft was retained by Faireys as a hack and is seen during work on its Merlin engine outside Fairey's initial 1937-built camouflaged hangar. It is now (2014) preserved at the FAA Museum at Yeovilton.

The first production Fulmar N1854 was retained by Faireys for tests. Postwar it became a company hack aircraft frequently flying between the Hayes and Stockport factories wearing the silver and blue company colours. It is preserved in the FAA Museum.