The Stringbag That Hunted Battleships

The COBI Fairey Swordfish Torpedo Bomber 5770 recreates the slow but remarkably successful British carrier aircraft nicknamed the “Stringbag.” Its open cockpit, stacked wings, naval camouflage and underslung torpedo give the model an unmistakable World War II appearance.

Built at 1:32 scale, the finished aircraft measures nearly 17 inches across. It makes an impressive centerpiece for an aviation collection while offering plenty of working features to explore after construction.

COBI Fairey Swordfish 5770 Product Information

Features of the COBI Fairey Swordfish Torpedo Bomber 5770

• Large 1:32-scale recreation of the British naval torpedo bomber
• Movable propeller and adjustable flight-control surfaces
• Detailed open tandem cockpit for the pilot and observer
• Removable Mark XII aerial torpedo mounted beneath the fuselage
• Rear-mounted 7.7 mm Vickers machine gun
• Two Royal Navy aircrew figures with flight helmets and life vests
• Historic Royal Navy colors, roundels and LS326 markings
• Display nameplate identifying the aircraft and scale

An Old-Fashioned Aircraft with a Fearsome Reputation

The real Fairey Swordfish entered British service in 1936. Although its fabric-covered biplane design appeared

 outdated during World War II, the aircraft proved dependable, maneuverable and highly effective during naval operations.

On the night of November 11–12, 1940, Swordfish aircraft launched from HMS Illustrious attacked the Italian fleet at Taranto. The raid damaged several battleships and demonstrated the striking power of carrier-based aircraft.

The Swordfish gained even greater fame in May 1941 during the pursuit of the German battleship Bismarck. A Swordfish torpedo jammed the battleship’s rudders, leaving it unable to escape the approaching Royal Navy force.

Learn more about the aircraft and its wartime service in the Fairey Swordfish history article on Wikipedia.

For a historically connected display, pair this aircraft with the COBI German Battleship Bismarck #4854.

Why Add This Set to Your Collection?

The Fairey Swordfish combines a distinctive aircraft design with one of the most memorable naval aviation stories of World War II. Its large wingspan, detailed crew stations and famous torpedo loadout make set 5770 an excellent choice for military aviation enthusiasts, naval history collectors and experienced builders.