The Sea Venom was a two-seater jet all-weather fighter and strike-fighter which served with the Navy from the early 1950s up to retirement in 1960 when the Sea Vixen took over the role.

The Naval carrier-borne version evolved from the Venom NF2 nightfighter aircraft used by the RAF, which in turn developed from the earlier Vampire.

The Navy's version of the Venom featured among other changes a tailhook, strengthened undercarriage and folding wings to make it suitable for its marine operational role.

The first of the three Sea Venom prototypes took part in carrier take-off trials in HMS Illustrious in July 1951.

Once proven, the first 50 production aircraft were designated FAW 20, followed by an upgraded version known as FAW21. This aircraft featured a number of changes including: an improved Ghost 104 engine, power-operated ailerons, American radar, a frameless canopy and Maritn-Baker Mk4 ejector seats. The easiest distinguishing feature of the uprated FAW21 was the loss of the tailplane extension outboard of the tail booms.

The FAW22 was the final update with the Ghost 105 engine.

In total, 256 Sea Venoms were built for the Royal Navy, although other versions served with the French and Royal Australian Navies.

The wings of the aircraft spanned a distance of 42ft 10in, balanced by the length of the aircraft at 36ft 7in and a height of 8ft 6in.

The FAW22 Sea Venom was powered by a sturdy 5,300lb-thrust Ghost 105 engine that allowed a maximum speed of 576mph at sea-level with a 705-mile range. It was armed with four fixed 20mm guns and could carry bombs or eight rocket-projectiles below the wings.

(Featured in Navy News December 2002)