Fairey Barracuda Mk.II Carrier Bomber Torpedo/Dive Bomber

Koike again showcases his mastery of oceanscapes in this scene of two Fairey Barracudas flying low over the sea. The unique composition gives us two beautiful and contrasting view of the same unique airframe, as well as his trademark:  spectacular, high-contrast lighting.  The work on the underside of the farther plane is particularly stunning.  The Barracuda was the first all-metal carrier attack plane in British service, and served two dozen squadrons in Fleet Air Arm from the mid 1940s until the 1950s.  Unfortunately, not a single example of the plane remains in existence, making beautiful paintings like this all the more valuable for recalling the type.