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BLACKBURN B2

Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2009 - pic by Nigel Key
Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2009 ©Nigel Key

ROLE
Trainer.

FIRST FLIGHT
10th of December 1932.

The Blackburn B2 was developed by Blackburn Aircraft from the previous trainer aircraft the Bluebird IV. The side by side two seater layout was retained but the 'B2' was designed with a semi-monocoque all metal fuselage.

The wings, which could be folded for easy storage, have edge slots on the leading edge of the upper wing to improve handling at low speed. Ailerons were fitted to the lower wings.

The landing gear has fixed main wheels and a tailskid.

The prototype 'B2', 'G-ABUW', was powered by a de Havilland Gipsy III engine producing 120 hp.

PRODUCTION
The Blackburn B-2 was produced from in the early 1930’s to 1937, with 42 built.

ENGINE
De Havilland Gipsy III engine, producing 120 hp.

ARMAMENT
None.

Although not successful in obtaining military orders for the aircraft, the B-2 was used with civilian flying schools training RAF pilots.

At the outbreak of WWII, the B-2’s at Hanworth became No.4 Elementary Flying Training School. The remaining aircraft were used as instructional airframes by the RAF Air Training Corps.

Crew - 1 or 2 (side-by-side)
Wing Type - Bi-plane
Length - 24ft 3in (7.39m)
Wingspan - 30ft 2in (9.20m)
Height - 9ft 0in (2.74m)
Empty Weight - 1,175lb (534kg)
Max. Weight - 1,850lb (841kg)
Max. Speed - 112mph (180 km/h)
Range - 320 miles (510 km)


PHOTOGRAPHS

Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2009 - pic by Nigel Key Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2009 - pic by Nigel Key Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2009 - pic by Nigel Key
Old Warden 2009 Old Warden 2009 Old Warden 2009
Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2008 - pic by Nigel Key Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2008 - pic by Nigel Key Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2009 - pic by Nigel Key
Old Warden 2008 Old Warden 2008 Old Warden 2009
Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2008 - pic by Nigel Key Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2008 - pic by Nigel Key Blackburn B2, Old Warden 2008 - pic by Nigel Key
Old Warden 2008 Old Warden 2008 Old Warden 2008


Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key




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