The Blackburn Firebrand was a carrier based strike fighter of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. Originally designed as a fighter, its low performance led to a redesign as a strike fighter. Deliveries to squadrons did not start until after World War Two and only 220 aircraft plus three prototypes were built. It was withdrawn from service in 1953.
Early Prototypes Blackburn B-37
Three prototypes ordered to meet Specification N.11/40, named Firebrand on 11 July 1941. Second prototype re-built as T.F. II prototype.
Blackburn Firebrand Protype DK804DD804 the unarmed first prototype Blackburn B37 FirebrandBlackburn Firebrand Prototype DD810Napier Sabre powered Blackburn Firebrand prototype DD810The second prototype Blackburn Firebrand Mark I DD810
A prototype Firebrand TF Mk II undergoing trials on HMS Illustrious A prototype Firebrand TF Mk II undergoing trials on HMS Illustrious A prototype Firebrand TF Mk II undergoing trials on HMS Illustrious A prototype Firebrand TF Mk II undergoing trials on HMS Illustrious Blackburn Firebrand T.F. IVA prototype Firebrand TF Mk II landing on HMS Illustrious A prototype Firebrand TF Mk II landing on HMS Illustrious A prototype Firebrand TF Mk II landing on HMS Illustrious A prototype Firebrand TF Mk II undergoing trials on HMS Illustrious
Firebrand F. I
Production variant of the Blackburn B.37 with an order for 50 aircraft to be built at Brough, most completed as T.F. II and T.F. III variants, first nine completed as F. Is.
Blackburn Firebrand F. I DK363Blackburn Firebrand F. IBlackburn Firebrand F.1 powered by a Napier Sabre III
Firebrand T.F. II
Improved variant, 12 built from original production branch.
Blackburn Firebrand T.F IIA prototype Firebrand TF II NV636 (Originally DD810)Blackburn Firebrand TF.IIBlackburn Firebrand TF II with Napier Sabre III engine DK383
Firebrand T.F. III
Blackburn B-45, a Centaurus VII powered-variant, two prototypes and 27 production aircraft for original production batch.
Blackburn Firebrand F. I Converted to a Firebrand T.F. III ProotypeBlackburn Firebrand TF.III
Firebrand T.F. IV
Blackburn B-46, improved variant with 2,520 bhp Centaurus IX or Centaurus 57, 250 ordered, but only 170 were completed, of which 124 were converted to T.F. 5 standard, some before delivery. Six were modified and designated as T.F. IV(mod).
Blackburn Firebrand TF.IVBlackburn Firebrand TF.IV EK660Blackburn Firebrand TF.IV EK601Blackburn Firebrand TF IV EK609Blackburn Firebrand TF IV EK726Blackburn Firebrand IV EK748Blackburn Firebrand T.F. IV EK603Blackburn Firebrand TF IV EK737Blackburn Firebrand TF IV EK745Blackburn Firebrand TF.IV
Firebrand T.F. V
Improved variant, 124 modified from T.F. IV, two conversions to T.F. VA.
Blackburn Firebrand TF. V EK743Blackburn Firebrand TF VBlackburn Firebrand TF VBlackburn Firebrand TF. V EK691
Firebrand T.F. VA
One prototype modified from a T.F. 5 and six conversions from either T.F. IV or Vs.
Blackburn Firebrand TF VA EK730Blackburn Firebrand TF VABlackburn Firebrand TF VAA prototype Firebrand TF Mk II
Blackburn Firebrand Crash on HMS Eagle, 10th June 1952
Blackburn Firebrand in the crash barrier on HMS Eagle, 10th June 1952Blackburn Firebrand being prepared to be lifted by a crane on HMS Eagle, 10th June 1952Blackburn Firebrand being lifted by a crane on HMS Eagle after its crash landing, 10th June 1952
Blackburn Firebrand T.F. 5 Aircraft on HMS Implacable
Blackburn Firebrand T.F.5 (EK 782) on HMS ImplacableBlackburn Firebrand T.F.5 (EK 782) after hitting the crash barrier on landing and catching fire on HMS ImplacableBlackburn Firebrand T.F.5. (EK 782) with the fire spreading beneath the aircraft and the pilot being assisted out of the cockpit.Blackburn Firebrand T.F.5. (EK 782). Spilt fuel well alight and fire fighters ready.Blackburn Firebrand T.F.5. (EK 782) with the fire extinguished, aircraft damaged beyond repair.Blackburn Firebrand after a crash landing on HMS Implacable
Photographs of scale models of the Blackburn Firebrand can be found here.
