Blackburn R.T.1 Kangaroo

History

Kangaroo is a product of Blackburn Aircraft and Motors Ltd. Design began in 1916 as a business for which two complete prototypes were produced. Collectively known as the Blackburn GP ("GP" for "Generic"), these prototypes featured seaplanes and were designed to be used as anti-submarine aircraft. As interest in the naval form waned, a land-based version was developed from this design.

The land-based model became the Blackburn R.T. 1 Kangaroo (the aircraft's full name "R.T.1" was "Type 1 Scout Torpedo", which was actually the role the aircraft was intended to fulfill).

Despite the below-average performance of the Rolls-Royce Falcon II production engine (250 hp), the RAF accepted the 20 already ordered, and the Kangaroo legacy was sealed. Deliveries began sometime in January 1918, and troops were battle-ready later that year.

After the sixth production aircraft was completed, an attempt was made to improve performance by introducing Rolls-Royce Falcon III engines, each with a more promising 270 hp.

In appearance, the kangaroo has a long, straight, boxy body. Three crew members are located around the front, including the pilot in the center cockpit, a gunner in the front cockpit and a rear gunner in the rear cockpit.

All three positions are separated from each other, and the rear gunner is at the most disadvantaged position in terms of communication with the pilot. The fuselage consisted of two engines using either a two-blade or four-blade propeller system. The landing gear is fixed, with a separate two-wheel bogie nose gear and conventional tail skid.

The main landing gear is located directly under the engine to handle these heavier weight areas. The wings are in a two-wing layout and feature three bays with parallel struts and associated wiring.

The span of the wings is uneven, with the upper assembly extending outwards above the lower assembly. To save storage space, the wings outside the engine can be hinged rearwards and folded in the rear. The long tail is attached with two vertical tails and a long-running horizontal plane.

Powered by two 270 hp liquid-cooled Rolls-Royce Falcon III V-12 engines, it can reach a top speed of 98 mph and a range of 487 miles. A climb rate of 480 feet per minute is possible, as is a service ceiling of 12,992 feet. As a bomber, the Kangaroo can boast a whopping 920-pound gun.

Self-defense is provided by two Lewis-type 7.7mm machine guns, one mounted in the front cockpit and the other in the rear cockpit.

The Kangaroo only served six months after the end of the First World War, and its war record contains nothing of note except the sinking of an enemy submarine. After the war, the Kangaroo was used in limited numbers as a twin-rod trainer and was not officially retired until 1929.

Some have also entered the civilian passenger market, carrying up to eight people on emerging commercial aviation services around the world.

Blackburn Kangaroo is exclusively operated by RAF 246 Squadron and Peruvian Army Air Service. Only 20 examples of this type were eventually produced.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes