Simultaneously with the TV seaplanes, the Blackburn company, commissioned by the Ministry of Aviation, built two of the four prototypes of the Scout aircraft (later renamed Sparrow). The interceptor project for the Admiralty Aviation Department was carried out by Harris Booth, an employee of that department. Requirements specified simplicity of design, the use of inexpensive materials, and the possibility of arming it with a two-pound Davis recoilless gun. The Scout featured an unusual layout with a Gnome Monosoupape rotary engine mounted in the rear of the fuselage nacelle and driving a two-bladed pusher propeller.
Although the Scout had satisfactory flight characteristics, it was not convenient to operate. Harris Booth left the Admiralty in 1916 to continue his work at the Blackburn company. His first design at the new location became the Blackburn Triplane. Conceptually, the machine was a development of the Scout aircraft, representing a typical braced triplane of that era with fabric covering.
Unique Design and Features
All three wings of the Blackburn Triplane had the same chord and span, and the ailerons were connected by struts. The tail unit was supported by booms attached to the upper and lower wings. The central nacelle extended far beyond the leading edge of the middle wing. It featured a three-point, non-retractable landing gear with a very narrow track, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Prototype and Ultimate Fate
A single prototype of the Blackburn Triplane was built, making its first flight in early 1917, powered by a 110 hp Clerget 9Z engine and a four-bladed propeller. Later, a Gnome engine was installed on the aircraft for further testing. The Admiralty conducted official trials at Eastchurch, but the results were unsatisfactory. The prototype was scrapped in March 1917, marking the end of this promising project.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Triplane |
| Wingspan, m | 7. 31 |
| Length, m | 6. 53 |
| Height, m | 2. 59 |
| Wing area, m2 | 20. 53 |
| Empty weight | 460 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 680 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Gnome Monosoupape |
| Power, hp | 1 x 100 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 145 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 120 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Armament (planned) | one fixed 2-pound Davis recoilless gun in the forward nacelle |
Image and diagram gallery of the Blackburn Triplane
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