The Fairey Aviation Company started work on the Fairey Firefly Mk. I in 1940 and entered service in October 1943. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Griffon IIB engine, it had a maximum speed of 316 mph (508 km) and had a range of 1,300 miles (2,100 km). It was 37 ft 7 in (11.46 m) long with a wingspan of 44 ft 6 in (13.56 m). The aircraft was armed with four 20 mm cannons.

Based on the aircraft carrier Indefatigable, it took part in the raid on the Tirpitz in September, 1944. It also took part in the Pacific and in January 1945, destroyed the Sumatra oil refineries. The Fairey Firefly Mk. I remained in service with the Royal Air Force until 1946.