Blackburn Firebrand

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 It was withdrawn from service in 1953.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 F. I — Blackburn Firebrand Protype DK804

DD804 the unarmed first prototype Blackburn B37 Firebrand — Blackburn Firebrand Protype DK804

Trials Aboard HMS Pretoria Castle

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

Deck Landing Trials on HMS Illustrious February 1943

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.

Firebrand T.F. II

Improved variant, 12 built from original production branch.

A prototype Firebrand TF Mk II — A prototype Firebrand TF II NV636 (Originally DD810)

Blackburn Firebrand TF.II — A prototype Firebrand TF II NV636 (Originally DD810)

Firebrand T.F. III

Blackburn B-45, a Centaurus VII powered-variant, two prototypes and 27 production aircraft for original production batch.

Blackburn Firebrand TF.III — Blackburn Firebrand F. I Converted to a Firebrand T.F. III Prootype

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).