Blackburn R.1 • wp.archivoaereo.com

When the British Air Ministry issued specifications for a deck-based reconnaissance and spotter aircraft, Blackburn designed a new fuselage. It borrowed the wing and tail assembly (excluding the rudder) from the Dart torpedo-bomber, inheriting much of its structure.

A distinctive feature was the hypertrophied nose section, designed to house the Napier Lion IIB engine, which occupied all the space between the upper and lower wings. The pilot was situated in an open cockpit above the engine, the navigator in the fuselage, and the gunner in a tail cockpit. Its robust landing gear could be fitted with either wheels or a pair of floats.

Table of Contents

Early Development and Initial Service

Three prototypes of the Blackburn R.1 (with “R” signifying “reconnaissance” in the company’s new designation system) underwent flight testing in 1922. Shortly thereafter, an order for 12 aircraft was placed.

Deliveries of the Blackburn Mk I began in April 1923. These aircraft were based in Gosport, and from 1923, they entered service aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle in the Mediterranean.

Upgrades and Operational Expansion

In 1925-1926, an additional 29 Blackburns were ordered, featuring several modifications, including the installation of a new 465 hp (347 kW) Lion V engine. These aircraft were designated Blackburn Mk II and in 1926 they entered service on the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Furious.

By 1929, Blackburns were based in the Far East aboard HMS Argus, and in the Mediterranean aboard HMS Courageous. Several dual-control Blackburns were used for training, and most Mk I aircraft were upgraded to Mk II standard. By 1931, the aircraft was considered obsolete and began to be replaced by the Fairey INF.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Blackburn Mk.I
Wingspan, m	13.88
Length, m	11.02
Height, m	3.81
Wing area, m2	60.39
Empty weight	1782
Normal takeoff weight	2704
Engine type	1 Piston engine Napier Lion IIB
Power, hp	1 x 450
Maximum speed, km/h	196
Cruising speed, km/h	180
Flight endurance, h.min	4.15
Service ceiling, m	3945
Crew, crew members	3-4
Armament	one fixed 7.7-mm Vickers machine gun in the nose and one 7.7-mm Lewis machine gun on a turret in the rear cockpit