Designed as a carrier-based anti-submarine and airborne early warning aircraft, the Fairey Gannet was first flown on September 19, 1949. This mid-wing monoplane had a double turboprop engine with two contra-rotating propellers and was crewed by a pilot and two aerial observers. On June 19, 1950 it became the first turboprop aircraft to make a carrier deck landing when pilot G. Callingham touched down on the HMS Illustrious. In 1958 the Gannet underwent a major structural redesign, which included the addition of a large radome beneath the fuselage. This Airborne Early Warning variant carried AN/APS-20F radar and required two additional crew members.

Witty's 1:72 scale Fairey Gannet is a remarkable model of a relatively obscure aircraft. This model is loaded with features, the highlight of which is the ASV (Anti-Surface Vessel) radar, which is mounted beneath the fuselage and can extend and retract. Articulating bomb bay doors are easy to open and reveal structural details inside the bomb bay. The twin propellers are correctly contra-rotating, and the large blister canopies provide a clear view of the detailed crew figures. Additional details include a non-positionable arrestor hook and tail skid, separately applied engine exhaust ports, pitot tube and dipole antennas.