The Fairey Gannet was an antisubmarine warfare aircraft designed for use by the Royal Navy. It first flew in 1949 and entered service with the Fleet Air Arm in 1953. Initially used as a carrier borne antisubmarine and strike aircraft, it was able to find submerged submarines and attack them. Later versions were used as AEW (airborne early warning) aircraft, carrying a radar scanner in a radome beneath the aircraft. It's rugged air frame enabled it to remain in service until the late 1970s.