Blenheim
Легкий бомбардировщик, двухмоторный цельнометаллический моноплан. Шасси убирающееся, с хвостовым колесом. Экипаж 3 человека. Спроектирован в КБ фирмы "Бристоль эйрплейн" под руководством Ф.Барнуэлла на базе опытного скоростного пассажирского самолета "тип 142", ДальшеMore>>>
совершившего первый полет 12 апреля 1935 г. Серийное производство началось в июне 1936 г. "Бленхейм" выпускался на заводах "Бристоль" (Фултон), "Рутс секьюритиз" (Блис-Бридж), "А.В. Роу", "Валтион леконтехдас" (Тампере, Финляндия), "Икарус" (Белград, Югославия), "Фэйрчайлд эйркрафт" (Лонгевиль, Канада). Всего построено.1 134 экз.
Состоял на вооружении в Великобритании с марта 1937 г., в Финляндии - с июля, в Турции - с октября, в Югославии - с марта 1939 г., в Румынии и Греции - с 1940 г., в Хорватии - с конца 1941 г., в Португалии - с 1943 г.
Основные серийные модификации:
- "Бленхейм" I с моторами "Меркьюри" VIS2 или VIII, вооружение 2x7,69;
- "Бленхейм" IV с новой носовой частью, моторами "Меркьюри" VIII, IVL с дополнительными бензобаками и моторами "Меркьюри" XV, вооружение 4x7,69 (полевые переделки - до 5x7,69);
- "Болингброк" I, канадский вариант "Бленхейма" IV с моторами "Меркьюри" VIII и американским оборудованием; o"Болингброк" IV с моторами "Меркьюри" XX, IVW с R-1535;
- "Бленхейм" V с новой носовой частью, моторами "Меркьюри" XXV или XXX, вооружение 4x7,69.
Бомбовая нагрузка всех вариантов до 455 кг.
В сентябре 1939 г. "Бленхейм" являлся самым массовым бомбардировщиком королевских ВВС. Они вели разведку и наносили бомбовые удары практически с самого начала Второй мировой войны. Весной 1940 г. участвовали в Норвежской кампании, затем в боях во Франции, в Северной Африке. Английские "бленхеймы" в апреле 1941 г. воевали в Греции, в мае - на Крите, с сентября - в Малайе и Бирме. Последние операции они осуществляли в конце 1943 г. в Северной Африке.
Финские бомбардировщики участвовали в "зимней" войне с Советским Союзом, затем продолжили боевые действия в июне 1941 г. и вели их до перемирия с СССР в 1944 г. Югославские машины в апреле 1941 г. бомбили наступающие немецкие войска, а также наносили удары по целям в Венгрии и Австрии. Греческие "бленхеймы" воевали с октября 1940 г. против итальянцев, а в апреле 1941 г. - против немцев. Канадские "болингброки" применялись для патрулирования побережья.
"Бленхейм" снят с производства в Англии - в июне 1943 г., в Финляндии - в 1944 г. Их сняли с вооружения британские ВВС в июле 1945 г., финские - в 1948 г. Греческие и югославские машины полностью потеряны в боевых операциях.
Blenheim IF/IVF
Тяжелый дневной и ночной двухмоторный истребитель на базе легкого бомбардировщика "Бленхейм", цельнометаллический моноплан с закрытой кабиной и убирающимся шасси с хвостовым колесом. Бомбардировщик "Бленхейм" спроектирован в КБ фирмы "Бристоль эйрплейн" под руководством Ф.Барнуэлла. Выпускался серийно с марта 1937 г. Переделка в истребитель начата в 1938 г., велась в частях обслуживания (авиарембазах) и непосредственно в эскадрильях с использованием комплектов подфюзеляжных контейнеров, изготовлявшихся мастерскими фирмы "Саузерн рейлуэй" в Эшворде. Всего изготовлено 1375 комплектов. Вооружение 2x7,69 в носу фюзеляжа; 4x7,69 в контейнере. "Бленхеймы"-истребители состояли на вооружении королевских ВВС с сентября 1938 г.
Существовали две основные модификации:
- "Бленхейм" IF на базе бомбардировщика "Бленхейм" I с моторами "Меркьюри" VIII;
- "Бленхейм" IVF на базе бомбардировщика "Бленхейм" IV с моторами "Меркьюри" XV, удлиненной носовой частью фюзеляжа, дополнительными бензобаками.
"Бленхеймы" применялись как дневные истребители с ноября 1939 г., участвовали в "битве за Англию". С середины 1940 г. на них начали монтировать РЛС. Боевое применение в качестве ночных истребителей - с июля 1940 г. С февраля 1941 г. базировались также в Сингапуре, в конце 1941г. участвовали в боевых действиях в Малайе и Бирме. Применялись в Египте (ПВО Александрии), Греции, на Крите. Переделка "бленхеймов" в истребители закончилась в 1940 г. Истребители модификаций IF и IVF сняты с вооружения в начале 1942г.
Bristol 142 Blenheim
В 1934 году владелец газеты "Daily Mail" виконт Ротермер решил приобрести для личного пользования новый корпоративный самолет. "Daily Mail" к тому времени уже много сделала для развития авиационного дела вообще и деловой авиации в частности. Основными требованиями Ротермера были высокая скорость, экипаж из двух человек и способность перевозить до шести пассажиров. Вскоре оказалось, что примерно такую конфигурацию имел проработанный в инициативном порядке специалистами компании "Bristol Aeroplane Company" легкий транспортный самолет. Силовая установка изначально предлагалась в составе двух двигателей Bristol Aquila I мощностью по 500 л.с, но, принимая во внимание требование Ротермера, Фрэнк Барнуэлл решил поставить два Bristol Mercury VIS мощностью по 650 л.с. В итоге появился Bristol Type 142, совершивший первый полет в Филтоне 12 апреля 1935 года.
Самолет превзошел все ожидания заказчика - он смог развить скорость на 48 км/час больше, чем у прототипа новейшего на тот момент британского истребителя. Самолету присвоили имя "Britain First", и Ротермер торжественно представил его общественности. Буквально тут же Министерство авиации решило взять самолет для испытаний - на предмет возможности его использования в качестве легкого бомбардировщика. Ротермер без колебаний подарил машину военным. Вскоре последовал вариант Type 142M Blenheim, а в январе 1936 года в воздух поднялся Type 143, оснащенный двигателями Aquila, впрочем, не привлекший внимания потенциальных заказчиков - на его характеристиках негативным образом сказалось отсутствие воздушных винтов изменяемого шага.
Летом 1935 года Министерство авиации, высоко оценив предложенный фирмой "Bristol" военный вариант Type 142M, в сентябре подписало контракт на 150 самолетов. Требования к ним были описаны в спецификации 28/35. Новый самолет был во многом схож с Type 142, отличаясь в основном наличием бомбоотсека, места для бомбардира и надфюзеляжной турельной установкой. Первый полет прототип совершил 25 июня 1936 года, в марте 1937 года начались серийные поставки британским ВВС, а в июле того же года Министерство авиации разместило заказ еще на 434 самолета, которым было присвоено обозначение Blenheim Mk I. Самолет представлял собой свободнонесущий среднеплан цельнометаллической конструкции, исключение составляли рулевые поверхности, имевшие полотняную обшивку. Шасси - убирающееся, с хвостовым колесом. Силовая установка состояла из двух двигателей Bristol Mercury VIII мощностью 840 л.с. Бомбовый отсек располагался в центроплане, типовое оборонительное вооружение включало 7,7-мм пулемет в левой консоли крыла и 7,7-мм пулемет в надфюзеляжной турели.
Первой Blenheim Mk I получила 114-я эскадрилья, и именно ее самолеты публика увидела на воздушном параде британских ВВС в Хендоне летом 1937 года. Для соблюдения сроков поставок к программе пришлось подключать компании "A.V. Roe" и "Rootes Securities". В общей сложности с трех сборочных линий сошли 1552 самолета Blenheim Mk I, которые одно время состояли на вооружении 26 эскадрилий британских ВВС. Но к началу Второй мировой войны лишь некоторое количество Blenheim Mk I находилось на вооружении размещенных в метрополии бомбардировочных эскадрилий, а вскоре они были полностью заменены на бомбардировщики Blenheim Mk IV. Blenheim Mk I в дальнейшем широко использовались в роли учебных - для переподготовки летчиков, а 200 самолетов были переоборудованы в ночные истребители Blenheim Mk IF - на них устанавливали РЛС AI.Mk III или Mk IV, а также усилили вооружение за счет подфюзеляжной турели с четырьмя 7,7-мм пулеметами. Первая победа была одержана новым ночным перехватчиком 23 июля 1940 года.
Последним вариантом, созданным на базе Type 142M, стал прототип Blenheim Mk II, представлявший собой Mk I с дополнительными топливными баками.
Blenheim Mk I поставлялся в Финляндию, Турцию и Югославию, а также строился по лицензии в Финляндии и Турции. Некоторое количество самолетов было поставлено в 1939 году в Румынию.
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Flight, November 1939
Britain's Military Aircraft
A Survey of Our Service Machines
BRISTOL
THE highly successful Bristol Blenheim high-speed monoplanes have already distinguished themselves in the war by making some outstanding bombing raids and reconnaissance flights.
The development of the Blenheim is of unusual interest. In the first place the design was evolved from that of a very fast transport machine known as the Bristol 143. It was, however, rearranged as a midwing type to enable the bombs to be stowed in the centre section of the fuselage. The nose and certain other components were redesigned and a power-driven gun turret fitted in addition to a fixed gun in the wing. The engines selected for the military version were the highly supercharged Bristol Mercury VIIIs. Actually, the Blenheim was the first modern all-metal monoplane to go into production as a bomber for the Royal Air Force.
The majority ol the machines in service are of the original "short-nosed" or Mark I type, though structurally these are similar to the improved version which will be referred to later.
The fuselage is of light-alloy monocoque construction and is built in three sections. These, and the centre section of the cantilever wing, are united by bolting only, the outer sections being attached in a similar manner. The wing, which is also in three parts, embodies two main spars with steel flanges and Alclad webs with ribs of Alclad sheet. Alclad covering is common to the wing and fuselage.
The crew consists of the pilot, a bomb aimer-navigator and a wireless operator-gunner.
Data for the “short-nosed” Blenheim are: Top speed, 285 m.p.h. at 15,000ft.; service ceiling, 27,250ft.; and range at a nominal speed of 200 m.p.h., 1,125 miles. The span is 56ft. 4in.; length 39ft. 9in.; the empty weight 7,409 lb. and the all-up weight 12,030 lb.
Although generally referred to as a bomber, the Blenheim is potentially a formidable twin-engined fighter and is, in fact, utilised by certain squadrons of the R.A.F. in this capacity. Moreover, thanks to its speed and the good visibility, it is a first-rate strategical reconnaissance aircraft.
The Bristol Aeroplane Co., Lid.. Falcon House. Bristol.
The Bristol Blenheim provides a good example of the influence of flight deck layout on overall aircraft design. The original Type 142 Blenheim I had a short nose, with the pilot close to the windscreen and no "step".
A PIPPIN: The Prototype Bristol Blenheim medium bomber with a pair of the latest Mercury engines, which give 840 h.p. at 14,000 ft. The Blenheim is a direct development of the cabin monoplane Britain First, built for Lord Rothermere and presented to the R.A.F. It is almost certainly the fastest twin-engined bomber in the world
To represent Great Britain at Paris: The Bristol Blenheim is believed to be the world's fastest bomber.
AND AT HOME IN ENGLAND: The Maharajah of Nawanagar, accompanied by the Maharanee, visited the R.A.F. Station at Abingdon. Seen in front of a Bristol Blenheim are (left to right): Wing Comdr. C. E. W. Lockyer, Mrs. Guilfoyle, Air Comdre. Sidney Smith, O.B.E. (A.O.C. No. 1 Bomber Group, who received the visitors), the Maharajah, Mrs. Sidney Smith, P/O. Hull, the Maharanee, Mr. W. Rootes, P/O. Kemp, Mrs. Edelsten, Group Capt. Guilfoyle, O.B.E., M.C., Mrs. Walmsley, Miss Smith, and Wing cdr. H. S. P. Walmsley, O.B.E., M.C., D.F.C. The visitors saw demonstrations by Blenheims and by Hawker Hinds of No. 82 (B.) Squadron.
The prototype Blenheim, K7033, was first flown on June 25, 1936.
The Bristol Blenheim prototype, K7033, photographed late in 1936. The tailwheel has been retouched out. On production Blenheims the tailwheel was locked down.
The prototype Blenheim, K7033, was completed in 1936 and first flown on June 25, from Filton. In November 1940 it became 2373M.
The Mercury-engined Bristol Blenheim is the fastest bomber in the world and has been adopted as a standard R.A.F. type.
The Bristol Blenheim bomber indicates the progress made.
The first Bristol Blenheim bomber which set a new standard for performance in its category.
One of outstanding military types of 1936: The Bristol Blenheim
A highly-polished Blenheim I was displayed on the Bristol stand, the prototype having flown on June 25, 1936. Immediately behind is a Praga E.210; to its left a Benes-Mraz Be 550 Bibi and to its right at Letov S.528.
Закончена сборка первого серийного "Бленхейма"
Although the Bristol Blenheim medium bomber is far from being a freak it is attracting as much attention as anything in the Show.
In November 1936 the first production Blenheim, K7034, was exhibited at the Paris Show in the Grand Salon. It was unmarked and the cockpit was sealed.
Britain to the Fore: The first machine is the Bristol Blenheim bomber. Behind it is seen the Amiot high-speed, all-metal mail plane.
Lighter-and-heavier-than-air Day in the big hangar at Cardington. In this non-stop variety picture are barrage balloons, a Blenheim and a Battle (left), a new Hind Trainer (foreground), Hector, Shark, Swordfish and Cloud (right), not to mention other less discernible aircraft and a goodly proportion of the population of Bedfordshire.
Garden parties at Whitchurch always seem to produce a nice intermingling of people and aeroplanes, with a leavening of motor-car. A local visitor - with civil markings - will be recognised.
THE "BRISTOL" BLENHEIM: two “Bristol ” Mercury engines. A mid-wing cantilever monoplane bomber-fighter of the latest type, with accommodation for a crew of three. It is constructed entirely of metal, and is fitted with hydraulically-controlled flaps and retractable undercarriage. It is a super high-speed bomber - the fastest of its class in service anywhere - and is now standard equipment in the R.A.F. Speed 280 m.p.h. at 15,000 feet; range 1,000 miles; load 4,600 lbs.; climb to 20,000 feet in 13 minutes. Designed and constructed by the Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd.
Blenheim K7037, the fourth production aircraft, crashed on take-off at RAF Wyton on May 10, 1938.
Camouflage and markings were also a matter for AID checking: not just the disruptive pattern, but the detailed stencilled markings, in black or white to contrast with the background, giving assembly numbers and doping scheme - Cellon X in the case of fifth production Bristol Blenheim I K7037, seen in this view.
The Bristol "Blenheim" High-performance Bomber Monoplane (Two Bristol "Mercury" engines).
A DAZZLER: A production-type Bristol Blenheim medium bomber (two Mercury VIIIs) "dazzle-painted " for entry into the Service. If the "paint-job" is as dazzling as the performance the machine should be practically invisible.
STRAIGHT OFF THE LINE: A Bristol Blenheim medium bomber fresh in its camouflage paint. The Blenheim is the fastest machine of its type in the world.
Pre-delivery portrait of Mk.I K7037 (note the hyphenated under wing serial number). This machine was delivered to 114 Squadron - the first RAF unit to use the type operationally - at Wyton on March 4, 1937. Its engine cut out on take-off at Wyton on May 10, 1938, causing it to crash and killing the three people on board.
K7054 was a Bristol Blenheim I delivered to No.90 (B) Squadron in June 1937. Consecutive numbering reveals th is to be the 22nd after the first production Blenheim K7033.
Mk.I K7096 was issued to 30 Squadron at Habbaniya, Iraq, in late 1938. With the Italian invasion of Greece in October 1940, 30 Squadron deployed in defence of that country and it is assumed that K7096 had been lost by April 1941.
Until it crashed at Redesdale, Northumberland, on August 30, 1938, Blenheim I K7067 flew with No 90 Squadron, RAF.
Bristol Blenheim I K7080 of No 139 Squadron, RAF, (Wyton) in 1938.
A DAZZLER: A production-type Bristol Blenheim medium bomber (two Mercury VIIIs) "dazzle-painted" for entry into the Service. If the "paint-job" is as dazzling as the performance the machine should be practically invisible.
Bristol Blenheim L1453 of No 29 Squadron, RAF, (Debden) at Gravesend in 1939.
General Milch, at Mildenhall, watches a demonstration by a gunner in the rear cockpit of a Bristol Blenheim.
MINISTERIAL INTEREST: Sir Kingsley Wood and Sir Edward T. Campbell inspect a Blenheim during a visit last week to the Bristol factory. The group includes Mr. H. J. Pollard (works manager), Mr. W. G. Verdon Smith (chairman), Mr. H. J. Thomas (assistant managing director), and Mr. W. A. Fernie (sales manager). This photograph, incidentally, gives an intimate view of the Blenheim’s nose and one of the 840 h.p. Mercury VIII engines.
DIPLOMATIC JOY-RIDE: Looking thoroughly at home in flying kit, M. Gafencu, the Rumanian Foreign Minister, emerges from a Blenheim after a flight at Hornchurch, where he inspected a number of Service types last week.
The aerodynamic aspect of radial-engine installation: Bristol Mercury VIII in long-chord cowling, seen with cooling gills closed.
Westland Wapitis and a lone Blenheim I at Risalpur in 1938. Next to the Blenheim is Wapiti K1295, a Mk IIA that spent its entire life with 28 Sqn, being delivered in the winter of 1930-31 and finally struck off RAF charge in February 1940.
Blenheim Is of 114 Squadron, based at Wyton. The Squadron took these aircraft to France in December 1939, and returned to the UK in May 1940.
The RAF’s fastest bomber for some years was the Bristol Blenheim, one of the first monoplanes to be ordered under the Expansion Scheme.
Machines of our first Blenheim unit - No. 114 (B) Squadron at Wyton. These aircraft are by far the fastest bombers in service anywhere in the world.
No. 29 Squadron Bristol Blenheim Is (with "YB" codes) at Debden in the summer of 1939, awaiting their ventral four-gun packs which turned them into Mk.lFs.
"IT WAS A FAMOUS VICTORY." The Battle and the Blenheim make an appropriate background for the aircraft apprentices of Halton. The officers' mess is in the distance.
GETTING READY FOR ACTION. Refuelling Bristol Blenheims.
By November 1938 110 Squadron had adopted 'AY-' codes. K7151 ‘N-nuts’ was delivered to 110 at Waddington six days after K7147. Like its sister, it also gravitated to the Isle of Man, this time on December 2, 1939.
Two 114 Sqn Blenheim Is seen at RAF Hendon on June 26, 1937. In the background is K7039.
Blenheim Is of No 114 Squadron, RAF.
Bristol "Blenheim" Bombers (Bristol "Mercury") of No. 139 (Bomber) Squadron at Wyton, Hunts.
Последние "Бленхеймы" I, 1942г.
A line up of ATA Blenheims at White Waltham in 1942. These were ex-squadron aircraft used by the ATA for training purposes.
The Blenheim high-speed bombers fitted with 840 h.p. Bristol Mercury VIII engines awaiting delivery from the company's Filton aerodrome
"What! Will the line stretch out to the crack of doom?" (Macbeth) - Some of the Blenheims of No. 90.
Line-up of 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron Blenheim Is at Northolt in April 1940.
This photograph, taken at Hendon before the last R.A.F. display, is a history of production in itself, for the types shown range from the Virginia to modern Expansion bombers.
A trio of Bristol Blenheims takes off over a barrage balloon at the Empire Air Day Display in May 1939.
Over a crowd reminiscent of R.A.F. Display days - A.A.F. Blenheims taking-off at Hendon.
It is May 1939, and three 601 Sqn Blenheims are taking off from RAF Hendon at an Empire Air Day. Four months later they would be doing the same exercise for real.
Blenheim I L1515 takes off from Bristol Filton in January 1939. This aircraft flew with 600 Squadron until it went missing over Holland on May 10, 1940.
A Blenheim fighter takes off at dawn watched by attendants of a Hurricane.
All in the picture: Westland Lysander over Vickers Wellington, and Bristol Blenheim over Fairey P.4/34.
Two Blenheim Is of No 44 Squadron, RAF, up from RAF Wittering in May 1938. Note the small practice bomb racks and the white stowage rack for the battery of Sashalites.
Blenheim Is L1113, L1108 and L1131 of 62 Sqn photographed in May 1938.
"Бленхеймы" I из 114-й эскадрильи, 1937г.
QUICK QUINTET: Another Flight aerial photograph of the first Blenheim unit at work. The dark camouflage finish heightens the impressive effect of the picture.
Blenheims of 114 Squadron photographed in 1938. This unit was based at RAF Wyton and, in March 1937, was the first squadron to receive the Blenheim into service. The aircraft nearest the camera, K7045, became an instructional airframe before war was declared.
These Bristol Blenheims, were part of a massed flypast over Cairo in May 1940, staged to impress the locals with Britain’s air might.
A flight of Bristol Blenheims, 280 m.p.h. bombers
An aerial impression of some of the Blenheims of No. 90 (B Squadron in formation.
Long-distance formation flights under varying weather conditions are part of the training duties of a bomber squadron as illustrated by this fine impression of Bristol Blenheims.
Blenheim Is of 90 Squadron photographed in November 1938. L1284, nearest the camera, later passed to 236 Squadron and then to the Middle East. It was struck off RAF charge in June 1945.
“Bristol” aircraft have always occupied a premier position in British military aviation. The “Bristol“ Blenheim, combining great structural strength with exceptional speed, range and manoeuvrability, is now an increasingly vital factor in the strength of Britain’s air arm, and has already performed valuable service with the Royal Air Force in high-speed long-range bombing, fighting and reconnaissance.
The "Bristol" Blenheim, now standard equipment in the R.A.F. A super high-speed all-metal bomber monoplane, fitted with “Bristol” Mercury engines.
The fine lines of the 280 m.p.h. Bristol Blenheims of No. 114 (B) Squadron are well brought out in this view.
Three Blenheim Is of 114 Squadron from RAF Wyton photographed in June 1937. K7038, nearest the camera, became an instructional airframe in December 1937.
Bristol’s Blenheim medium bomber was developed from the company’s civil Type 142 high-speed transport and entered RAF service in March 1937. It was fast and comparatively cheap - the man-hours required to build a single Short Stirling could produce more than three Blenheims.
SWIFT AND PURPOSEFUL: Probably one of the most grimly Impressive photographs of its kind ever taken, this Flight picture shows our first Bristol Blenheim unit in the air - No. 114 (Bomber) Squadron from Wyton, near Huntingdon. Equipped with Mercury VIII engines (825 h.p. each at 13,000 ft.), the Blenheim is the world's fastest bomber. Normally a crew of three is carried.
Formation flying from the pilot's viewpoint. Blenheim Is of No 114 Squadron, in which the author served, up from Wyton in June 1937.
THE LADDER OF FAME: Bristol Blenheim medium bombers of No. 114 (B.) Squadron at Wyton. The degree of accuracy attained by this unit after only a few weeks' practice is apparent in this view of an echelon formation. The Blenheims are probably the fastest machines in service anywhere in the world.
Bristol Blenheim high-speed bombers of No. 44 (B.) Squadron, Waddington, in echelon formation. Despite its amazing performance the Blenheim is very tractable.
BRISTOL BLENHEIM: Bomber (two Mercury VIII engines 840 h.p. each at 13,000ft.); span, 56ft. 4in.; gross weight, 12,030 lb.; max. speed 280 m.p.h. at 15,000ft.
Decorative effect - three Blenheims seen through the bomb aimer's window of a fourth.
Mk.I K7147 was delivered to 110 Squadron at Waddington on January 4, 1938. Note the under-fuselage bomb racks. When the unit took on Blenheim IVs, K7151 was delivered to 5 Bombing and Gunnery School at Jurby, Isle of Man, on November 3, 1939.
A typical R.A.F. Blenheim showing the retractable turret in the extended position.
Blenheim I K7059 of 90 Squadron up from Bicester in November 1938.
“In the air the Blenheim looks quite different. It is slim and lean and purposeful.”
A Bristol Blenheim I of 62 Sqn. L1131 was delivered early in 1938 but went missing on April 4, 1940.
"Бленхейм" I из 107-й эскадрильи, август 1938 г.
At the time of the Munich Crisis the Squadron went onto a war footing and toned its markings down, as seen on Blenheim I L1132 ‘OZ-J’ in early 1939.
A slow-flying demonstration by a Blenheim at Wyton.
Blenheim I L4827 of No. 60 Squadron which was on an APC in Malaya when the Japanese attacked in December 1941. Thrown into the battle, the squadron suffered heavy losses
This short-nosed Blenheim Mk I, serialled L1382, is seen over Basra, Iraq, in 1941.
INCIDENTS at Hatfield last Tuesday: the Bristol Blenheim.
A Bristol Blenheim coded -PT, presumably of 62 Squadron, somewhere in India.
BOMBING-UP a Blenheim during the Air Exercises. It will be noted that bombs now travel in comfort all the way.
Британские специалисты готовят к вылету легкий бомбардировщик Bristol Blenheim Mk I из 1 13-й эскадрильи. Обычно легкие бомбардировщики применялись против небронированных целей и скоплений пехоты.
A life on the rolling sward - pilots of No. 90 demonstrate the “launching” of the automatically inflated dinghy carried in each Blenheim. A static line starts inflation by CO2 as the dinghy is thrown overboard. Blenheims have sealed fuselages and wings, so can remain afloat for a considerable time in the event of a "ditching".
Mud: Pedicures for the Blenheim and the sergeant
Ready for action. Fighter pilots receive final instructions.
Pilots of the RAF’s No 113 Sqn chat beside a Bristol Blenheim I before a sortie from Ma’aten Bagush, near Mersa Matruh in Egypt, where the unit was based from early June 1940 to January 1941. Research has yet to prove conclusively that the raid on T.2 on June 28 was undertaken by No 113 Sqn, but it is the most likely candidate.
Один из экипажей 27-й ИАЭ перед тренировочным полетом на «Бленхейме» Mk.IF. Сингапур, аэродром Сембаванг, ноябрь 1941 г.
Передающая антенна РЛС типа AI Mark III, установленной на ночном истребителе Blenheim Mk IF. У системы Al Mark IV эта антенна монтировалась вертикально.
Тяжелые истребители «Бленхейм» Mk.IF из 27-й иаэ.Фото сделано на аэродроме Сембаванг в апреле 1941 г.
"Бленхейм Mk.IF" из состава 23-й эскадрильи. Зима 1940-1941гг. Данный самолет, несомненно, принадлежит к числу "интрудеров", так как не имеет антенны бортового радиолокатора.
Истребитель "Бленхейм" IF, оснащенный радиолокационной станцией
The Bristol Mercury radial piston engine powered all variants of the same company’s adaptable Blenheim, including this Mk IF nightfighter of No 54 OTU.
Early British radar installations used a dipole transmitting aerial in the nose and separate wing dipoles for receiving, resulting in all-round coverage and substantial ground returns. The Blenheim IF had Al Mk III, with the dipoles only on the port wing.
The Blenheim IF, illustrated in service with No 54 OTU in September 1941, was the only RAF night fighter for the first 12 months of WW II. This unidentified Blenheim appears to have passed through the A&AEE at that time.
Mk.If K7159 'YX-N' of 54 Operational Training Unit at Church Fenton posed for a well-known series of images dated September 1941. It was delivered initially to 61 Squadron at Hemswell on January 19,1938 and served with 54 OTU late 1940 until September 1941.
Blenheim fighters were used extensively. One of these machines is seen attacking a raiding Blenheim over the Thames Estuary.
FIGHTER BLENHEIM: Certain squadrons of the R.A.F are equipped with Bristol Blenheims adapted for use as long-range fighters. Machines of this type, as shown, machine gunned German flying boats at Borkum as lately related in Flight.
Истребитель "Бленхейм" IF
Blenheim Mk IF. Bristol Blenheim Mk IF представлял собой ночной истребитель, под фюзеляжем которого стояла гондола с четырьмя пулеметами калибра 7,7 мм. На этом самолете впервые был установлен радиолокатор и одержана первая "ночная" победа - в ночь со 2 на 3 июля 1940 года.
"Бленхейм Mk.IF" сквадрон-лидера Грасье из состава 23-й эскадрильи.
Звено "Бленхеймов" из 14-й эскадрильи RAF в одном из боевых вылетов на бомбардировку целей в Эфиопии.
"Бленхейм" I в Адене, июль 1939 г
Mk.I L1222 was fitted with outer wing tanks and first flew in this guise in September 1938, in readiness for the so-called ‘Mk.II'. Note also the bombs carried on pylons under the inner wings
Опытный разведчик "Бленхейм" PR.I
In an attempt to develop a dedicated photo-reconnaissance Blenheim, L1348 was modified with clipped wing tips, faired-over nosed glazing, Rotol three-bladed constant-speed propellers, dorsal turret removed and the bomb bay and other panels taped over
"Бленхейм" из 39-й эскадрильи в ангаре на авиабазе Бербера.
Representative of the wide variety of different combat aircraft with which the Rumanian air arm went to war are the Bristol Blenheim.
Румынский "Бленхейм" I, использовавшийся в качестве разведчика в районе Сталинграда
Этот Blenheim Mk.1 использовался румынами для разведполетов
Forty Blenheim Is (1 to 40) were bought in 1939-1940, and three ex-Yugoslav examples (41-43) were received from the Germans in 1941. Spares were rare and attrition was heavy in 1941, and in 1942 only ‘Escadrila’ 1 at Stalingrad and ‘Escadrila’ 3 on maritime reconnaissance at Odessa still operated them. In 1943 the two units were amalgamated at Odessa as ‘Escadrila’ 1/3, and operated from there until the city fell in April 1944. The squadron, now named ‘Escadrila’ 1, still existed when Romania changed sides in August 1944, and performed its last reconnaissance missions in Allied service over Cluj-Napoca in September 1944.
Румынский самолет-разведчик «Бленхейм», лето 1941 г.
Турция стала вторым после Финляндии импортером Blenheim по количеству приобретенных самолетов (56) - в основном варианта Mk I. Первая партия была поставлена в 1937 году.
Bristol "Blenheim" Bombers (two Bristol "Mercury" engines) of the Turkish Air Force lined up on the Gazir Emir Aerodrome, at Izmur. The Air Force of Turkey have two squadrons armed with this machine.
Blenheim Is for the Turkish Air Force, 1938. A total of 30 Blenheims was ultimately delivered and all but two were flown out bearing British civil marks in the G-AFFP-FFZ and G-AFLA-FLS range.
TURKISH BLENHEIMS: A line-up of the Blenheims.
TURKISH BLENHEIMS: In the first of the views Flt. Lt. C. A. Washer, a Bristol test pilot, is seen with officers of one of the Turkish Blenheim squadrons. The main group is of officers and N.C.O.’s of Nos. 24 and 25 squadrons. In the centre of the back row with his hand in his tunic is Lt. Col. Sevket Acar, commanding Gazi Emir aerodrome, Izmir. Third from the left in the back row is Capt. Kula, commanding No. 25 squadron, and fourth from the right is Capt. Farhi, commanding No. 24 squadron.
British volunteer aircrews took 12 Blenheim Is from Bicester to Finland on February 23, 1940. Three days later, BL-137 landed at Lentolaivue 42's base at Juva. Note the covered national markings for the crossing over Sweden.
Preparations to release more Blenheims appear to have been made, as suggested by former 604 Squadron Mk.IF at Northolt in February or March 1940.
Основные самолеты финских ВВС периода советско-финского конфликта 1940г. - Бристоль "Бленхейм"-I
В 1940г. финны закупили в Великобритании 24 бомбардировщика "Бленхейм"
Finland also took delivery of a number of Blenheim Is, the first of which is seen here in 1938 fitted with skis for the Finnish Air Force.
Финский бомбардировщик "Бленхейм Mk.l" на неубирающихся лыжах в обтекателях. Вопреки распространенному мнению, большинство "спаниелей" Страны Суоми всю войну летали на колесах с укатанных ВПП, а подобными конструкциями были оснащены лишь единичные машины, действовавшие с оперативных аэродромов.
Finnish-built Blenheim I BL-173. This Blenheim survived service in the Continuation and Lapland Wars.
One of the few remaining Blenheims is still flying in Finland.
Финский "Бленхейм" во время Зимней войны. Для перекатки такой машины требовалось усилие не менее 30 человек...
Подвеска 250-кг бомбы под финский "Бленхейм"
Специалист по вооружению проверяет подвеску 714-кг бомбы в бомбоотсеке Bristol Blenheim.
The King inspects machines of the Bomber Group. Above him towers the nose of a Harrow, and behind can be distinguished a Whitley, Wellesley and Blenheim.
Blenheims are in quantity production for the R.A.F. Fuselage production is shown, comprising front, rear, and stern jig-assembled units in the various stages of construction from the skeleton to the fully-plated stressed-skin fuselages.
Fig. 1. - The rear fuselage portion of the Blenheim is an all-metal semi-monocoque structure. It has “developable” surfaces.
Fig. 2. - Blenheim fuselages, with engines mounted, on the production line.
Fig. 3. - The centre-section in its special erection jig, with one engine and one engine mounting fitted, and the rear fuselage portion attached.
Fig. 4. - A special crane brings the Mercury VIII engine up to the mounting. Note the pipes for taking air through the oil cooler.
Fig. 5. - Cleaning the stub pipes before assembly on the exhaust ring collector.
Fig. 6. - Nearly ready to “stand on their own legs.” A row of Blenheims in an advanced stage of assembly, showing the fitting of engines and controls.
The Blenheim was the first all-metal aircraft to go into production for the R.A.F. It is jig-built in six sections - three fuselage and three wing - all built up of light alloy, including the covering of the wings.
The light alloy fuselage sections, now fully plated, are removed from the jigs, the metal "skin" now taking the stress of the monococque structure. The first stage of installing the equipment in each section is then proceeded with.
The "Bristol" Blenheim - an important factor in the National re-armament scheme - is in large-scale production, and is the standard equipment in many R.A.F. Squadrons. In design, construction and performance it is foremost among the service aircraft of its type in the world. Illustrated is a production line of BLENHEIM HIGH PERFORMANCE MEDIUM BOMBERS
Fig. 7. - Assembling the tail unit.
“Somewhere else in England”. Building a Blenheim short nose on a jig.
Fig. 8. - Quantity production. Bristol Blenheim medium bombers on the line. They are being delivered to the R.A.F. and to several foreign governments.
“Somewhere else in England”. Fitting a Blenheim undercarriage;
“Somewhere else in England”. Installing the Bristol Mercury;
Fig. 9. - A special double - lifting crane is used for removing the main component assembly from its jig and transporting it to another station in the erecting hall.
The Blenheim is powered by two "Bristol" Mercury engines which are fitted to the air-frame prior to its removal from the jig by a special transportable crane. It is then ready for the attachment of the wings and tail unit.
The air-frame having been removed from its jig, is now fitted with wings and tail-plane, and the Blenheim “stands on its own legs” for the first time. The fitting of the airscrews, turret, and other equipment is then proceeded with.
Fig. 10. - The final erection stage. Fitting wings, tanks, control surfaces, etc.
Начало сборки серийных "Бленхеймов" на заводе Бристоль
Fig. 11. - Ready for final inspection. Blenheims about to be passed to the production flight shed for flying tests before delivery.
Bristol Blenheim Mk Is under construction at Filton in 1938. The Blenheim’s Mercury engines were fitted to mounts anchored to the front and rear spar booms at the outer ends of the wing centre section, to which the undercarriage legs were also attached.
OUTPUT: Typifying the high-speed bomber carrying a comparatively light load and the slower "heavy-weight" type, the Bristol Blenheim (seen in production here) and the Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley are both key types in the expanded R.A.F.
The production line photograph was taken in April 1939 and shows Blenheim Is in the L8460 serial range. Aircraft L8466, left foreground, was delivered to 90 Squadron and passed to 17 OTU. On October 12, 1940 it crashed while taking off from RAF Upwood.
THE RISING TIDE: This impressive photograph points its own <...>. It was taken inside Rootes’ shadow factory at Speke, Liverpool, which was inspected by the Secretary of State for Air last week. The Blenheims are lifted out of the lines by overhead cranes as completed.
A shadow taking form. The Air Minister inspecting the building of a Bristol Blenheim at the new factory at Speke. On the left, he is seen between the two brothers Rootes.
Capt Harold Balfour, Under-Secretary of State for Air (and a very accomplished pilot), paid a visit last Friday to Rootes’ shadow factory at Liverpool. He is seen examining Blenheim tail-trimming controls in company with Mr. W. E. Rootes (right), chairman of Rootes’ Securities, and Mr. Trowbridge, works manager of the factory.
The introduction of retracting undercarriages in the Thirties added another task for the AID, in testing their actuation. Seen here is the port undercarriage unit of a Bristol Blenheim.
A Mercury VIII installed in a Blenheim bomber. Points to note are the leading-edge collector ring with single outlet and the controllable gills.
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