The Blackburn T.5 Ripon was a British carrier-based torpedo bomber and reconnaissance biplane which first flew in 1926. It was used by the Fleet Air Arm as a torpedo bomber from 1930 until 1935. Ripons were also sold to Finland, where they continued to be used in action in the Winter War and the Continuation War until 1944.
Blackburn Ripon I N203The prototype Ripon I, N203, with revised lines and improved engine installationThe second Ripon I, N204, was built as a seaplane for trials at MAAE FelixstoweBlackburn Ripon Floatplane PrototypeThe Ripon II prototype N231 in its initial configuration with exposed Scarff ring.The fourth Ripon II S1268 undertook seaplane trials in 1929Blackburn Ripon Mk.IIA S1468 of No.811 Squadron from HMS FuriousA Blackburn Ripon Mk.IIA of No 811 Squadron Landing HMS FuriousBlackburn Ripon II N231Blackburn Ripon IIC S1567Blackburn Ripon IIA S1424Blackburn Ripon II S1270Blackburn Ripon IIBlackburn Ripon Mk IICBlackburn RiponBlackburn Ripon S1651Blackburn Ripon IIA S1468Blackburn Ripon with the Hispano Suiza V-12A Blackburn Ripon taking off from HMS FuriousThe partially-assembled all-metal Blackburn Ripon III, S1272, at Brough in 1929Blackburn Ripon III S1272 Note the Different Tail
Finish Blackburn Ripon IIF
The Blackburn Ripon was also ordered for use by the Finnish Air Force, with one example for Finland being built by Blackburn, before 25 were produced under licence at the Finnish Aircraft Factory. The Finnish Air Force used Ripons as reconnaissance aircraft against the Soviet Union in the Winter War and the Continuation War. After losing an aircraft to Soviet fighters in 1939, the Ripon was limited to night missions. The last missions were flown in 1944.
Blackburn Ripon Mk.11FR1-121 was the Jupiter-powered Ripon IIF pattern aircraft for Finnish production.Blackburn Ripon IIF Operated by Swedish VolunteersBlackburn Ripon IIF R1-129Blackburn Ripon IIF RI-137 Blackburn Ripon IIFBlackburn Ripon IIF from 4 LeLv6, 1943Blackburn Ripon IIFBlackburn Ripon IIF FloatplaneBlackburn Ripon IIF