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Blackburn B2 (G-AEBJ) over Yorkshire in 1960
A side-by-side biplane trainer aircraft, the B-2 was designed to be immensely strong to enable it to withstand the rigours of instructional flying. It featured fabric covered duralumin main planes, mated on an all-metal semi-monocoque fuselage. Leading edge slots were also added to allow better low-speed handling.
The B-2 was fitted with various engines over its 6 year / 42 aircraft production life (1931 – 1937). Initially it received a De Havilland Gipsy III engine although subsequently the more powerful Gipsy Major and then the 120 hp Cirrus Hermes engine were fitted .
The RAF and the Air Ministry were the majority users and although the prototype was shipped to Portugal for evaluation, it was unsuccessful against the De Havilland Tiger Moth. In civilian use, the B-2 equipped the Blackburn Flying Schools at Brough Aerodrome and at the London Aero Park, Hanworth although the latter aircraft were moved back to Brough at the outbreak of World War II.
BAE Systems now owns the fully restored 37th production aircraft (G-AEBJ) and it appears at air shows and events throughout the UK.
Blackburn B2 (G-AEBJ)
Specification
| Powerplant | De Havilland Gipsy III 120 hp (90 kW) |
| Span | 30 ft 2 in (9.20 m) |
| Capacity | 2 persons |
| Maximum Weight | 1,850 lbs (841 kg) |
| Range | 320 miles (515 km) |
| Maximum Speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
Number built
| Blackburn B2 | 42 |
Survivors
| G-AEBJ |
The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, Beds
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| G-ACBH / G-ADFO |
South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, Dakota Way, Lakeside, Doncaster DN4 7NW
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