Blackburn Firebrand

History of Blackburn Firebrand

The Blackburn Firebrand is a carrier-based attack fighter developed by the British Blackburn Aircraft. Designed by G.E. Petty, it underwent a turbulent evolution before reaching operational status as the engine switch effectively mediocre the Firebrand.

Although the aircraft surfaced in the middle of World War II and made its maiden flight on February 27, 1942, the Blackburn Flame in final production form entered the conflict too late to take part in combat.

The UK Department of Aviation has published Specification 11/40 requiring the use of capable, powerful single-seat fighter jets on Royal Navy aircraft carriers. The engine chosen for the new fighter is the impressive Napier Sabre III, a 24-cylinder inline H-type engine. Blackburn responded to his Firebrand proposal and developed an unarmed prototype of the B-36.

This was followed by the armed F. Mk I prototype, which produced 9 working examples.

The B-46 model became a truly improved Firebrand as the TF. Model Mk IV, first flight on May 17, 1945. A new engine was assigned to the TF - the Bristol Centaurus IX engine. Mk IV and a modified tail unit with enlarged surfaces. Dive brakes are installed on both the upper and lower wing assemblies for improved control. task force.

The Mk IV produced 102 samples, becoming the first Firebrand to quantify in production with some authority. At least 40 of these aircraft were later converted to newer TFs. Mk5 standard.

Externally, the Firebrand's design shares some similarities with the Hawker Tempest, with its streamlined hull and large propeller spinners. The cockpit is centrally located in the fuselage and features a two-piece bubble canopy that provides the pilot with relatively excellent all-round visibility.

The wings are low-mounted dihedral monoplane systems located fairly forward on the sides of the fuselage. The tail is controlled by a large vertical tail, the horizontal plane is located behind the vertical tail.

The landing gear is a traditional "trailer" arrangement, with two main gears and a tail wheel. All three systems are fully scalable.

As with most British fighter jets of the time, the artillery armament was the standard firepower for the Brand. This includes 4 x 20mm Hispano Mk II series guns mounted in pairs on each wing.

To increase its lethality more directly, the Firebrand can carry a single 1850-pound 18-inch Mark XVII series torpedo operating centerline under the fuselage, or 2 x 1000-pound bombs under the wings - one on the wing mast.

Final TF. The Mk IV Firebrand is equipped with an air-cooled 18-cylinder Bristol Centaurus IX series radial piston engine, rated at 2,500 hp, driving a four-blade propeller system. Performance specs include a top speed of 350 mph and a cruising speed of 289 mph.

When equipped with drop tanks, the range is equivalent to 1,250 miles. With a service cap of approximately 28,500 feet, the climb rate may reach 2,600 feet per minute.

Task Force. The Mk 5 follows the TF. The Mk IV entered service with a minor aerodynamic overhaul. Production only lasted 68 copies. Improved TF. The Mk 5A ended the Firebrand line, with 193 built from 1943 to 1947.

Firebrand is dedicated to the Fleet Aviation (FAA) of the Royal Navy (RN). The FAA squadrons that use this type are the 700, 703, 708, 736, 738, 759, 764, 767, 778, 787, 799, 813, and 827 Naval Air Squadrons.

The Blackburn Fire was officially operated by the Royal Navy from 1943 to 1953, after which it was decommissioned.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes