Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Blackburn Firebrand TF.IV EK613 'FD-1H' of 813 Squadron, Ford, 1946.

Мировая Авиация 55

Firebrand TF.Mk IV EK621 в стандартной послевоенной окраске британской морской авиации. Самолет был списан в Милнаторте в 1965 году.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Blackburn Firebrand TF.5 EK609 '100/A' of 813 Squadron, HMS 'Indomitable', 1952.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Blackburn Firebrand TF.5 EK849 '101/C'of 813 Squadron, HMS 'Implacable', 1949.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Blackburn Firebrand TF.5 EK794 '128/J' of 827 Squadron, HMS 'Eagle', 1952.

Aeroplane Monthly 1977-02

Первый серийный Firebrand TF.Mk IV EK121 с учебной торпедой, поступивший в 813-ю эскадрилью, сформированную в Форде в сентябре 1945 года.
Blackburn B-46 Firebrand T.F.Mk.4 EK601 was the first of 102 examples of this variant. It made its maiden flight on May 17, 1945, being delivered to RNAS Arbroath on May 30. A'torpedo-carrying strike aircraft, the Firebrand Mk 4 was powered by a 2,520 h.p. Bristol Centaurus engine.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-08 / A.Renwick - The sky was his canvas

Blackburn Firebrand TF.IV EK601, complete with torpedo, photographed by Brown on July 3, 1945.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Superb study of Firebrand TF.IV EK660. This machine met an ignominious end as a catapult trials 'dummy', being 'shot' off the bow of HMS 'Centaur' in 1954.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

Two studies of the very first, unarmed, B-37 Firebrand F. Mk I prototype, DD804, taken in January 1942. Powered by a 2,305 h.p. Napier Sabre, DD804 first flew on February 27, 1942.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

The first prototype Firebrand, F.I DD804.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-04 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (3)

After a crash following engine seizure, the second prototype, DD810, became the prototype TF Mk II NV636.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

The second prototype Firebrand, DD810, had a pair of 20mm British Hispano cannon in each wing. It was delivered to the Royal Navy for deck-landing trials on October 11, 1942.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1946 / 03 - All the world's aeroplanes

The Blackburn Firebrand F.Mk.I Single-seat Fleet Fighter prototype (Napier Sabre III engine).

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Second prototype F.I DD810 during carrier trials aboard HMS 'Illustrious', February 10, 1943.

Aeroplane Monthly 1991-10 / C.Brown - A feast of flying (2)

Blackburn Firebrand I DK367 photographed in May 1944 while it was at Boscombe Down for air firing trials with RPs

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-04 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (3)

This view of the first Firebrand I, DD804, clearly displays the wing-root radiator/oil cooler intakes.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-04 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (3)

The unarmed Firebrand first prototype, DD804, while it was undergoing its first tests at the A&AEE in May 1942. Although the manufacturer seemed happy with its behaviour, the Service test pilots at Boscombe Down found it far from satisfactory. A seemingly endless succession of control modifications dogged the design for most of its life. While records state that the aircraft first went to the A&AEE in June 1942, the stamp on the reverse of these prints is dated May 2.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-04 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (3)

The unarmed Firebrand first prototype, DD804, while it was undergoing its first tests at the A&AEE in May 1942. Although the manufacturer seemed happy with its behaviour, the Service test pilots at Boscombe Down found it far from satisfactory. A seemingly endless succession of control modifications dogged the design for most of its life. While records state that the aircraft first went to the A&AEE in June 1942, the stamp on the reverse of these prints is dated May 2.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-04 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (3)

DD810 in its alter ego as NV636, the prototype TF Mk II, on test with a torpedo with fairings around its carriers at the A&AEE in September 1943. Many control shortcomings were still evident and the aircraft was deemed unsatisfactory for Service use, which aroused the MAP's displeasure with the company.

Aeroplane Monthly 1991-09 / C.Brown - A feast of flying (1)

The third prototype Blackburn Firebrand in September 1943, after reconstruction as the first Firebrand Mk II, NV636 (Napier Sabre III engine). The torpedo is fitted with the MAT Mk IV directional stabilising tail.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

TF.II DK383 of 708 Squadron. Cannon were not fitted but this photo clearly shows the port leading edge bulge for the torpedo camera, introduced on this variant.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-04 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (3)

The third prototype, DD815, seen here during deck-landing trials on HMS Illustrious in February 1943, shows how the type’s long nose inhibited the pilot’s view .

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

Production of the Sabre-engined TF.II was limited to 12 aircraft. A third of the batch, with DK383 nearest, is seen here. These aircraft went to 764B Sqn (later 708 Sqn) at Lee-on-Solent, the shore-based Firebrand Tactical Trials Unit.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

TF.III DK372 in December 1943 showing the first bid to improve visibility with a modified canopy.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

Another view of DK372 in March 1944, emphasising the Firebrand’s generous flap area and showing its inset, double-tabbed one-piece elevator.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

Bristol Centaurus-engined Firebrand TF Mk III prototype DK372 during initial trials with the A&AEE in March 1944. Its promise was marred by handling problems caused by aerodynamic shortcomings inherent in the design.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-04 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (3)

Blackburn Firebrand III DK372 under test by the A&AEE in March 1944.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

DK411, a T.F. Mk III, was delivered to RNAS Anthom during May/June 1945.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

Modifications to the second prototype TF.III, DK373, included an offset fin to counter swing on take-off, and improved ailerons and elevator.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

The teardrop canopy introduced on DK373 greatly improved the pilot’s view. The swept-forward aerial was new to this mark.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Firebrand TF.III DK373 in 1945. The second TF.III prototype in its final form: with a fully tear drop canopy and larger horn-balanced rudder.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

This study of DK373 under test with a torpedo carried at the A&AEE in September 1944 shows the torpedo mounting and the teardrop canopy. The pilot’s seat was raised.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1946 / 03 - All the world's aeroplanes

The Blackburn Firebrand T.F.Mk III Torpedo-carrier (Bristol Centaurus VII engine)

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1946 / 03 - All the world's aeroplanes

The Blackburn Firebrand T.F.Mk.IV Torpedo-carrier (Bristol Centaurus IX engine)..

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

TF.IV EK605, apparently happily flying with its tailwheel deployed.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1980 / Encyclopedia of Aviation - Aircraft A-Z - v2

Blackburn Firebrand TF.4.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

A Firebrand TF.IV is put through its paces during an Admiralty display at Heston on October 2, 1945.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

This Charles E. Brown study of the first Firebrand T.F. Mk 4, EK601, emphasises the size of the type. This aircraft first flew on May 17, 1945.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1947 / All the world's aeroplanes

A Blackburn Firebrand IV (2,500 h.p. Bristol Centaurus IX engine).landing on the deck of an aircraft-carrier.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

A 778 Squadron Firebrand TF.IV taking off from HMS ‘Pretoria Castle’, September 1945.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

TF.IV EK602, showing the new 'tilting' torpedo carrier. The Mk.IV also had provision for bombs or rockets and had dive-brakes.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

Firebrand TF.IVs of 813 Sqn in mid-1946. The nearest aircraft, EK613, shows the horn-balanced rudder introduced on this mark.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

Blackburn test pilot P. G. Lawrence had won the event at Elmdon on June 30 the previous year in EK621.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

TF.5 EK748 showing the leading edge dive­brakes.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1947 / All the world's aeroplanes

The Blackburn Firebrand V Single-seat Torpedo-Fighter (2,500 h.p. Bristol Centaurus IX engine).

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

EK748 was one of 68 T.F. Mk 5s built, and is seen complete with torpedo. It later served as aircraft 123/C of No 813 Squadron.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

Firebrand T.F. Mk 5A EK730 was converted from a T.F. Mk 4 and had a 2,520 h.p. Bristol Centaurus as its powerplant.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Firebrand TF.5A EK844 in July 1950.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

Blackburn test pilot P. G. Lawrence flew EK844 in the Air League Challenge Cup race at Sherburn-in-Elmet on July 22, 1950.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Firebrand TF.5s of 813 Squadron, HMS 'Indomitable', 1951. Note that the example nearest the camera carries a rudder with the old camouflage scheme

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

A neat formation of eight Firebrand Mk Vs, the ultimate mark.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

TF.5 EK747 of 813 Squadron with underwing rockets.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

Seen during an approach to HMS Eagle in 1953, Firebrand T.F. Mk 5 EK691 displays its generous span, large flap area and the horn-balanced elevator of this mark.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

TF.5 EK828 of 813 Squadron takes the barrier on 'Implacable'.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Firebrand TF.5 EK689 of 813 Squadron. The aircraft does not seem too damaged. Nevertheless, the quantity of foam used indicates there was a very large fire.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

Firebrand T.F. Mk 5s ranged on Eagle’s foredeck in 1953. The carrier’s code letter, J, is borne on their fins.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

HMS Eagle with some of No 827 Squadron’s Firebrands on her deck in 1953. In 1952, during a cruise aboard Eagle, the unit took part in Exercise Castanets in the North Sea.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Firebrand TF.5s of 813 Squadron, 1948/1949.

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Lt Cdr Kenneth Lee-White, CO of 813 Squadron. Note the external airspeed indicator fitted to help the pilot during approaches for deck landing.

Aviation Historian 33 / M.Willis - From reject to rocketship

Sporting red/orange bands around the rear fuselage and racing number “87", VP401 awaits its next race at Elmdon in July-August 1949. To the left is Blackburn Firebrand EK621, which raced against VP401 for the Kemsley Challenge Trophy, and to the right, D.H.108 VW120, which lost out to VP401 in the SBAC Challenge Cup.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946Hawker Sea Hawk - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1947

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-05 / B.Gunston - Firebrand

Crash crew attend EK745/129 after going through Eagle’s barriers. Following their replacement by Wyverns, the Firebrands were either scrapped or used for fire-fighting practice and as catapult dummies.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-05 / D.Webb - Tested & failed (4)

The Blackburn Firebrand TF Mk IV

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Blackburn Firebrand TF.I

Air Enthusiast 2007-05 / G.Bussy - Frustrated Firebrand /Post-war combat/

Blackburn Firebrand TF.IV

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1947 / All the world's aeroplanes

The Blackburn Firebrand IV Torpedo-Fighter.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1946 / 03 - All the world's aeroplanes

The Blackburn Firebrand T.F.Mk.IV.