BLACKBURN BOTHA

BLACKBURN B-26 BOTHA - Under G E Petty, the Blackburn design team projected the Blackburn Botha to the requirements of Specification M.I5/35 for a land-based general reconnaissance/torpedo-bomber. The four-seat high-wing mono-plane powered by two 880 hp Perseus X engines was ordered into production to Specification 10/36 with an initial order for 442, increased to 580 in 1940 with con-tracts for 676 more eventually cancelled. The first Blackburn Botha flew on December 28, 1938, and deliveries were completed by June 1941, later batches having the 930 hp Perseus XA engine. Armament comprised one forward-firing Vickers 0.303-in machine gun and two similar Lewis guns in a dorsal turret; internal loads could include one Mk XII or Mk XIV torpedo or up to 2,000-lb (908-kg) of bombs, plus provision for underwing bomb racks. Deliveries began in May 1940 to No 608 (North Riding) Sqn and others served briefly with No 502 Sqn; No 608 operated the Blackburn Botha until November 1940 but it was seriously underpowered and was then assigned to second-line units, such as No 3 School of General Reconnaissance, No 11 Radio School and other training units until declared obsolete in 1944. A few served as target tugs, with winch gear replacing the dorsal turret.

Max speed, 220 mph (354 km/h) at 15,000ft (4,575 m). Initial rate of climb, 355 ft/min (1.80 m/sec). Service ceiling, 18,400ft (5,610 m). Range, 1,270 mis (2,043 km). Empty weight, 12,036 Ib (5,464 kg). Gross weight, 18,450 Ib (8,376 kg). Span, 59ft 0 in (17.98 m). Length, 51 ft O'h in (15.56 m). Wing area, 518 sqft (48.12 m2).