BLACKBURN FIREBRAND

BLACKBURN B-37 FIREBRAND - To meet the requirements of Specification N.I 1/40, G E Petty's design team began development of a heavily-armed single-seat fleet fighter during 1940. The first of three prototypes, with a 2,305 hp Sabre III engine, flew on February 27, 1942, and was unarmed, the second prototype having the definitive armament of four 20-mm British Hispano cannon in the wings and provision for one 500-lb (227-kg) bomb under each wing. Initial production aircraft designated Blackburn Firebrand I were used only experimentally and were followed by 12 Blackburn Firebrand TF Mk Us with provision for carrying a 1,850-lb (840-kg) 18-in (46-cm) torpedo beneath a widened centre-section. The prototype TF Mk II flew on March 31, 1943, and the pro-duction aircraft went to No 708 Sqn to form a trials unit in September/October 1944.

Max speed, 355 mph (571 km/h) clean. Cruising speed, 274 mph (441 km/h). Initial rate of climb, 2,300 ftlmin (11.7 m/sec) with torpedo. Range, 770 mis (1,239 km). Gross weight, 15,050 Ib (6,833 kg). Span, 51 ft 3'h in (15.60 m). Length, 38 ft 2 in (11.63 m). Wing area, 383 sqft (35.58 m2).

Blackburn Firebrand TF Mk III: To overcome a shortage of Sabre engines, the Blackburn Firebrand was re-engined with a 2,400 hp Centaurus VII radial, a prototype of this TF Mk III version flying on December 21, 1943. The first of 27 production examples flew in November 1944 and served as trials aircraft in preparation for the Blackburn Firebrand TF Mk IV. The latter differed from the TF Mk III in having a 2,520 hp Centaurus IX, improved controls and ability to carry a 2,000-lb (908-kg) bomb under each wing. The first TF Mk IV, of 102 built, flew on May 17,
1945. service introduction proceeding after the end of the war.

Max speed, 319 mph (513 km/h) clean. Cruising speed, 272 mph (438 km/h). Initial rate of climb, 2,480 ftlmin (12.6 m/sec). Service ceiling, 29,400 ft (8,960 m). Range, 530 mis (853 km). Empty weight, 11,375 Ib (5,164 kg). Gross weight, 15,753 Ib (7,152 kg). Span, 51 ft 3'/z in (15.60 m). Length, 37 ft 7 in (11.45 m) . Wing area, 383 sq ft (35.58m2).