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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
Designed by Major F A Bumpus to meet a [[Fleet Air Arm]] requirement, the ''Blackburn B-5 Baffin'' torpedo bomber was a development of the [[Blackburn Ripon]], the chief change being that a 545 hp [[Bristol Pegasus]] I.MS radial replaced the Ripon's [[Napier Lion]] water-cooled inline engine.
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox aircraft
|name = Baffin
|image = Blackburn_Baffin_RAF_1934-p013894-B-Baffin.jpg
|caption =
|type = Torpedo bomber
|manufacturer = [[Blackburn Aircraft]]
|designer = F. A. Bumpus
|first_flight = 30 September 1932
|introduction = January 1934
|retired = 1941
|status =
|primary_user = [[Fleet Air Arm]]
|more_users = [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]]
|produced =
|number_built = 97
|unit cost =
|variants =
}}


The '''Blackburn B-5 Baffin''' [[biplane]] [[torpedo bomber]] designed and produced by the British aircraft manufacturer [[Blackburn Aircraft]]. It was a development of the [[Blackburn Ripon|Ripon]], the chief change being that a 545 hp (406 kW) [[Bristol Pegasus]] I.MS radial engine had replaced the Ripon's [[Napier Lion]] water-cooled inline engine.
The Baffin was a conventional two-seat single-bay biplane of mixed metal and wooden construction with fabric covering. It had swept, staggered, equal-span wings, the lower having an inverse gull to provide clearance for the torpedo while retaining a short undercarriage. Armament comprised one fixed forward-firing 0.303-in (7.7-mm) Vickers gun and one free-mounted Lewis gun in rear cockpit, plus one 2,000-lb (908-kg) bomb, or 1,576-lb (716-kg) Mk VIII or Mk IX torpedo, or three 530-lb (241-kg) or six 250-lb (114-kg) bombs.


The Baffin was designed by Major F A Bumpus and was initially pursued as a private venture. It was a conventional two-seat single-bay biplane of mixed metal and wooden construction with fabric covering. It had swept, [[Stagger (aviation)|staggered]], equal-span wings, the lower having an inverse gull to provide clearance for the [[torpedo]] while retaining a short [[Landing gear|undercarriage]]. The engine was shifted forwards in comparison to that of the Ripon to retain its centre of gravity. Armament comprised a single fixed-position forward-firing 0.303 in (7.7 mm) [[Vickers machine gun]] and one free-mounted .303 in (7.7 mm) [[Lewis gun]] in the rear cockpit, plus one 2,000 lb (910 kg) bomb, or 1,576 lb (716 kg) Mk VIII or Mk IX torpedo, or three 530 lb (240 kg) or six 250 lb (110 kg) bombs.
==Development==
The Baffin first flew on [[30 September]] 1932, and production began in 1933. Initial orders were placed for 29 new-build aircraft and 42 conversions of Ripon airframes. A further 26 conversions of Ripons into Baffins were ordered in 1935 because of reliabilty problems associated with the Armstrond Siddeley Tiger engines powering [[Blackburn Sharks]], and the desire to expand the strength of the Fleet Air Arm. The last three new production Baffins had the 580 hp Pegasus II.M3 engine and were termed the Baffin T8A.


First flown on 30 September 1932, the project caught the interest of the [[Air Ministry]], who produced [[List_of_Air_Ministry_specifications#1930–1939|Specification 4/33]] around the aircraft and placed an initial order with Blackburn for it in early 1933. The Baffin was initially procured for the [[Fleet Air Arm]] (FAA), who transferred many of their existing Ripons back to Blackburn for remanufacturing into the Baffin configuration; new-build aircraft were also produced. During January 1934, it was introduced to service. It had a relatively short service life with the FAA, who elected to withdraw the type in favour of newer aircraft prior to the outbreak of the [[Second World War]] in September 1939. The only export customer for the Baffin was the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]], who had acquired 29 existing aircraft from the UK during 1937. These were largely used in reserve roles and for training, and were only operated for a short period into the conflict until their withdrawal sometime in 1941.
The aircraft is said to have inspired the coining of the word "[[Boffin]]".


== Development ==
==[[Royal Navy]]/[[Royal Air Force]] Service.==
During the early 1930s, the torpedo bomber squadrons of the [[Fleet Air Arm]] (FAA) were equipped with the [[Blackburn Ripon]]. While the Ripon had only entered service in 1930, it was powered by the elderly [[Napier Lion]] engine.<ref name="Jack Black p349"/> As early as 1928, Blackburn had promptly recognised that the replacement of the Lion with a modern air-cooled [[radial engine]] would present several advantages. Dispensing of the Lion's heavy water-cooled radiators would reduce weight and thus increase payload; air-cooling would also simplify maintenance. The company had initially pursued this direct when it pursued export sales, an alternative powerplant in the form of the [[Armstrong Siddeley Tiger]] engine was adopted on those Ripons sold to Finland.<ref name="Jack Black p349">Jackson 1968, p. 349.</ref>
[[Image:HMS Furious-15.jpg|thumb|right|Baffins flying over ''Furious'' circa 1936]]
Two prototypes and 33 production Baffins went to a training flight at Gosport for dummy deck-landing and torpedo practice. The type went to sea with 810 Squadron on [[HMS Courageous]], 811 on [[HMS Furious]] and 812 on [[HMS Glorious]]. In addition 14 were sent to Malta to serve on carriers in the Mediterranean. The Baffin served barely two years before being replaced by the [[Blackburn Shark]]. All British aircraft appear to have been withdrawn from service before the outbreak of [[World War II]].


Blackburn remained keen to use low-weight radial engines for its fighters during the early 1930s.<ref name="Jack Black p349"/> It drew up its own plans for a reengining of existing Ripons with either the Armstrong Siddeley Tiger and the second by the [[Bristol Pegasus]] engines, which were viewed as having particularly promising performance. As the detailed design of the aircraft was produced, there were no meaningful changes to the airframe save for a new type of engine mounting that was projected on steel struts and was also shifted forwards so that the aircraft's overall centre of gravity could be maintained.<ref name="Jack Black p349-0"/>
===Royal Navy Squadrons===
* [[810 Naval Air Squadron]]
* [[811 Naval Air Squadron]]
* [[812 Naval Air Squadron]]
* [[820 Naval Air Squadron]]


According, during 1932, Blackburn decided to build two prototypes of radial-engined Ripons, each powered by one of these engines, as a private venture (i.e. without an order from the [[Air Ministry]]).<ref name="Mason bomber p239">Mason 1994, p. 239.</ref><ref name="Jack Black p349-0">Jackson 1968, pp. 349–350.</ref> Both of the prototypes were completed in September 1932. On 30 September 1932, the Pegasus-engined prototype conducted its [[maiden flight]], flown by A. M. Blake.<ref name="Jack Black p350"/> Following the completion of manufacturer tests, in February 1933, the two prototypes were delivered to [[RAF Martlesham Heath]], [[Suffolk]], for competitive evaluation flights. Partway through the evaluation, the aircraft were briefly returned to Blackburn's facility in [[Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire|Brough]] to be fitted with bomb rails and a [[Townend ring]].<ref name="Jack Black p350"/> The [[Air Ministry]] paid attention to these trials and expressed its preference for the Pegasus-powered version of the aircraft.<ref name="Jack Black p350">Jackson 1968, p. 350.</ref>
==[[Royal New Zealand Air Force]]==
In 1937 [[New Zealand]] acquired 29 of the best condition Baffins from the UK to equip [[Territorial Air Force]] (reserve) squadrons in [[Auckland]], [[Wellington]] and [[Christchurch]]. Twenty-four were operational on the outbreak of war, 16 in Wellington and eight in Christchurch. On the outbreak of war these aircraft were utilised as trainers. With the realisation of the threat posed by surface raiders, the RNZAF Baffin was returned to the active list, the survivors being merged in March 1940 as the NZ General Reconnaissance Squadron, renamed [[No. 1 Squadron RNZAF|1 GR Squadron]] in 1941 when half the strength was transferred to [[No. 3 Squadron RNZAF|3 GR Squadron]]. The Baffins were replaced by [[Lockheed Hudson]]s before the outbreak of war with [[Japan]]; the last Baffins were broken up at Rongotai in 1941.


[[File:Blackburn Baffin.jpg|thumb|A Baffin, 1934]]
===Royal New Zealand Air Force Squadrons===
During early 1933, [[List_of_Air_Ministry_specifications#1930–1939|Specification 4/33]] was written up around the aircraft for it to serve as a short-term replacement for the FAA's Ripons.<ref name="Jack Black p350"/> An initial order was issued to Blackburn for a pair of pre-production aircraft, which were speedily constructed. In April, acceptance trials at Martlesham Heath had commenced with the first pre-production aircraft, while the second remained at Brought for trials installation.<ref name="Jack Black p350"/> Sea trials were later performed onboard the [[aircraft carrier]] [[HMS Courageous (50)|HMS ''Courageous'']]; on 2 February 1934, the first [[aircraft catapult|catapult-assisted]] takeoff was performed at [[Farnborough Airport|RAE Farnborough]]. During September 1933, it was announced that the Air Ministry had approved the name ''Baffin''.<ref name="Jackson Black p350-1">Jackson 1968, pp. 350–351.</ref>
* [[No. 1 Squadron RNZAF]]
* [[No. 2 Squadron RNZAF]]
* [[No. 3 Squadron RNZAF]]


On 10 November 1933, the first production aircraft made its first flight.<ref name="Jack Black p351">Jackson 1968, p. 351.</ref> Orders were underway on the production of 26 newly built aircraft along with 38 conversions of airframes from existing Ripons; these existing airframes were extensively refurbished during this process. The aviation author Aubrey Joseph Jackson noted that the rate of manufacturing was particularly fast.<ref name="Jack Black p352"/> During 1935, a further 26 conversions of Ripons into Baffins were ordered due to the reliability problems that had become associated with the [[Armstrong Siddeley Tiger]] engines that had powered the [[Blackburn Shark]]. A further factor was the political desire to expand the strength of the Fleet Air Arm.<ref name="Mason bomber p239"/><ref name="Jackson Black p350-2">Jackson 1968, pp. 350–352.</ref> An additional three new production Baffins had the 580&nbsp;hp (430&nbsp;kW) Pegasus II.M3 engine and were termed the Baffin T8A.<ref name="Mason bomber p240"/> The aircraft is said to have inspired the coining of the word "[[Boffin]]".{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
==Variants==

* '''T.5J Ripon Mk V''' : Prototypes. Two built.
== Operational service ==
[[File:HMS Furious-15.jpg|thumb|right|A flight of Baffins passing over HMS ''Furious'', circa 1936]]
[[File:Royal New Zealand Air Force Technical Training School, Rongotai, ca 1940 (4535966395).jpg|thumb|Baffins amongst other aircraft at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Technical Training School, Rongotai, circa 1940]]

Initial deliveries, including the two prototypes and 33 production Baffins, were to [[Gosport]] for training purposes, such as dummy deck-landings and torpedo practice. During January 1934, [[810 Naval Air Squadron|No. 820 Squadron]] was the first to be re-equipping with the Baffin. On 7 March 1934, it was officially announced that the Baffin would be adopted as the standard torpedo bomber of the FAA.<ref name="Jack Black p352"/> Through 1934, efforts were made to quickly disseminate the new aircraft beyond the home region, leading to many being dispatched in kit form to a variety of overseas locations, such as [[Malta]] and the [[Middle East]], to equip units in these regions as well.<ref name="Jack Black p352">Jackson 1968, p. 352.</ref>

As early as January 1935, the Baffin was used at sea with No. 810 Squadron aboard {{HMS|Courageous|50|6}}.<ref name="Jack Black p352"/> In August of that year, [[811 Naval Air Squadron|No. 811 Squadron]] aboard {{HMS|Furious|47|2}} also received the type, while [[812 Naval Air Squadron|No. 812 Squadron]] on {{HMS|Glorious||2}} converted during May 1935. A flight of six Baffins of No. 810 Squadron headed the formation of FAA aircraft during the Jubilee Board Review off [[Spithead]] on 15 July 1935. On 22 June 1936, one Baffin, while closely circling the French [[ocean liner]] [[SS Normandie]], collided with one of its derricks and crashed onto its foredeck.<ref name="Jack Black p3523">Jackson 1968, pp. 352-353.</ref>

In 1936 the Baffin began to be replaced in frontline service by more capable aircraft such as the [[Fairey Swordfish]] and the [[Blackburn Shark]].<ref name="Jack Black p353">Jackson 1968, p. 353.</ref> No. 812 Squadron was the final FAA unit to operate the Baffin, with most aircraft lost with the destruction of a hangar caused by a [[tornado]] in December 1936. During September 1937 all remaining aircraft were struck off and shipped back to Britain.<ref name="Jack Black p3534">Jackson 1968, pp. 353-354.</ref> Entering storage, the type did not reenter British service with the outbreak of the [[World War II|Second World War]] and played no role in the conflict.

During August 1937, [[New Zealand]] arranged to acquire an initial batch of 12 Baffins from the Air Ministry, these were delivered in November of that year.<ref name="Jack Black p354"/> The ministry subsequently approach the country seeking to sell further aircraft, thus 17 of the best-condition Baffins still in storage were also purchased and delivered throughout 1938. Despite the arrival of more capable types, these aircraft were equipped by the [[New Zealand Territorial Air Force|Territorial Air Force]] (reserve) squadrons based in [[Auckland]], [[Wellington]], and [[Christchurch]] as it was felt that the Baffin's obsolescence did not impinge on its value for conducting local coastal defence operations.<ref name="Jack Black p354">Jackson 1968, p. 354.</ref>

By September 1939, all three reserve squadrons had been fully equipped.<ref name="Jack Black p355">Jackson 1968, p. 355.</ref> It is believed that 24 Baffins were in an operational condition at the outbreak of the Second World War, 16 of which being stationed in Wellington while eight were based in Christchurch. These aircraft had been largely utilised as trainers prior to hostilities but, with the realisation of the threat posed by surface raiders, New Zealand's Baffins were returned to the active list. They were often dispatched on sea reconnaissance missions, aimed at maintaining awareness of nearby shipping and identifying potential threats.<ref name="Jack Black p3556">Jackson 1968, pp. 355-356.</ref>

During March 1940, all of the surviving aircraft were merged into the NZ General Reconnaissance Squadron based at Whenuapai.<ref name="Jack Black p356">Jackson 1968, p. 356.</ref> In 1941, this unit was redesignated [[No. 1 Squadron RNZAF|1 GR Squadron]], at which point half its strength was transferred to [[No. 3 Squadron RNZAF|3 GR Squadron]]. Baffins continued to patrol the approaches to [[Lyttelton, New Zealand|Lyttleton]], [[Dunedin]], and the [[Foveaux Strait]]s up until this point.<ref name="Jack Black p356"/> The type was replaced by the larger American-built [[Lockheed Hudson]] before the outbreak of war with [[Imperial Japan]]. The last Baffins were reportedly broken up at Rongotai in 1941.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

== Surviving aircraft ==
The wreck of [[RNZAF]] Baffin NZ160, which crashed during 1937, is being rebuilt by Don Subritzky at Dairy Flat.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.aeroplanemonthly.com/news/latest-news/538-rebuild-of-unique-naval-biplane-survivor-underway- |title = Rebuild of Unique Naval Biplane Survivor Underway |access-date = 20 May 2013 |url-status = dead |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140203041607/http://www.aeroplanemonthly.com/news/latest-news/538-rebuild-of-unique-naval-biplane-survivor-underway- |archivedate = 3 February 2014 }}</ref>

A second fuselage section was stored in Mapua, South Island, New Zealand as part of the late John Smith collection<ref>issuu.com/craigprint/docs/nelson_aviation_look_inside/10</ref> and has since joined the Subritzky collection.

== Operators ==
[[File:R.N.Z.A.F truck with an aircraft on its trailer (AM 87235-1).jpg|thumb|RNZAF Baffin dissembled, on a truck]]
; {{UK}}
* [[Royal Air Force]] - [[Fleet Air Arm]]
** [[810 Naval Air Squadron|810 Squadron RAF]]<ref name="stutp361">Sturtivant and Ballance 1994, p. 361</ref>
** [[811 Naval Air Squadron|811 Squadron RAF]]<ref name="stutp361"/>
** [[812 Naval Air Squadron|812 Squadron RAF]]<ref name="stutp361"/>
** [[820 Naval Air Squadron|820 Squadron RAF]]<ref name="stutp361"/>

; {{NZL}}
* [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]]
** [[No. 1 Squadron RNZAF]]
** [[No. 2 Squadron RNZAF]]
** [[No. 3 Squadron RNZAF]]

== Variants ==
* '''T.5J Ripon Mk V''' : Prototypes. Two built.
** '''Blackburn B-4''' : Company designation of the first prototype.
** '''Blackburn B-4''' : Company designation of the first prototype.
** '''Blackburn B-5''' : Company designation of the second prototype.
** '''Blackburn B-5''' : Company designation of the second prototype.
* '''Baffin Mk I''' : Two-seat torpedo bomber aircraft for the Royal Navy.
* '''Baffin Mk I''' : Two-seat torpedo bomber aircraft for the Royal Navy.


==Specifications==
== Specifications (T.8 Baffin) ==

===Performance===
{{Aircraft specs
* Maximum speed : 125 mph (201 km/h) at sea level and 136 mph (219 km/h) at 6,500 ft (1,981 m).
|ref= ''The British Bomber since 1914.''<ref name="Mason bomber p240">Mason 1994, p. 240.</ref>
* Initial rate of climb : 480 ft/min (2.44 m/s).
|prime units?= imp
* Service ceiling : 15,000 ft (4,572 m).
<!--
* Endurance : 4 hours 30 minutes.
General characteristics
===Weights===
-->
* Gross weight : 7,610 Ib (3,455 kg}.
|crew= 2
===Dimensions===
|length ft= 38
* Span : 45 ft 6'/2 in (13.87 m).
|length in= 3+3/4
* Length : 38 ft 3'/4 in (11.67 m).
|length note=
* Height : 12 ft 10 in
|span ft= 44
* Wing area : 649 sq ft (60.29 m2).
|span in= 10
|span note=
|width ft= 17
|width in= 10
|width note= folded
|height ft= 12
|height in= 10
|height note=
|wing area sqft= 683
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight lb= 3,184
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb= 7,610
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Bristol Pegasus I.M3]]
|eng1 type= nine-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine
|eng1 hp= 565
|eng1 note=

|prop blade number= 2
|prop name= fixed-pitch propeller
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=
<!--
Performance
-->
|max speed mph= 136
|max speed note= at {{cvt|6500|ft|0}}
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed note=
|range miles= 490
|range note=
|combat range miles=
|combat range note=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range note=
|endurance= four hours and 30 minutes<ref name="Jack Black p356-7">Jackson 1968, pp. 356–357.</ref>
|ceiling ft= 15,000
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ftmin= 600
|climb rate note= at {{cvt|5000|ft|0}}<ref name="Jack Black p356-7"/>
|time to altitude=
|more performance=
<!--
Armament
-->
|guns=<br />
:* 1 × forward firing fixed 0.303 in (7.7 mm) [[Vickers gun]]
:* 1 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) [[Lewis gun]] in rear cockpit
|bombs=<br>
:* 1 × {{convert|1800|lb|kg|abbr=on}} 18 in (457&nbsp;mm) torpedo ''or'' {{convert|1600|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of bombs.
}}


== See also ==
'''Comparable aircraft:'''
{{aircontent
<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
|related=
<!-- aircraft similar in appearance or function to this design: -->
|similar aircraft=
* [[Blackburn Shark]]
* [[Fairey III]]
* [[Fairey Gordon]]
* [[Vickers Vildebeest]]
<!-- any lists that are appropriate: -->
|lists=
<!-- other articles that could be useful to connect with: -->
|see also=
}}


== References ==
[[Fairey III]]
===Citations===
[[Fairey Gordon]]
{{Reflist}}
[[Blackburn Shark]]
[[Vickers Vildebeest]]


===Bibliography===
'''Designation sequence:'''
* {{cite book |last = Jackson |first = A. J. |title = Blackburn Aircraft since 1909 |year = 1968 |publisher = Putnam |location = London |isbn = 0-370-00053-6 }}
* {{Cite book |last = Mason |first = Francis K. |title = The British Bomber since 1914 |publisher = Putnam Aeronautical Books |location = London |year = 1994 |isbn = 0-85177-861-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Sturtivant |first1=Ray |last2=Ballance |first2=Theo |title=The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm |year=1994 |location=Tonbridge, UK |publisher=Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. |isbn=0-85130-223-8}}


== External links ==
{{airlistbox}}
{{commons category|Blackburn Baffin}}


{{Blackburn aircraft}}
[[Category:British bomber aircraft 1920-1929]]


[[Category:1930s British bomber aircraft]]
[[de:Blackburn Baffin]]
[[Category:Blackburn aircraft|Baffin]]
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Biplanes]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1932]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 05:02, 25 November 2024

Baffin
General information
TypeTorpedo bomber
ManufacturerBlackburn Aircraft
Designer
F. A. Bumpus
Primary usersFleet Air Arm
Number built97
History
Introduction dateJanuary 1934
First flight30 September 1932
Retired1941

The Blackburn B-5 Baffin biplane torpedo bomber designed and produced by the British aircraft manufacturer Blackburn Aircraft. It was a development of the Ripon, the chief change being that a 545 hp (406 kW) Bristol Pegasus I.MS radial engine had replaced the Ripon's Napier Lion water-cooled inline engine.

The Baffin was designed by Major F A Bumpus and was initially pursued as a private venture. It was a conventional two-seat single-bay biplane of mixed metal and wooden construction with fabric covering. It had swept, staggered, equal-span wings, the lower having an inverse gull to provide clearance for the torpedo while retaining a short undercarriage. The engine was shifted forwards in comparison to that of the Ripon to retain its centre of gravity. Armament comprised a single fixed-position forward-firing 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun and one free-mounted .303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis gun in the rear cockpit, plus one 2,000 lb (910 kg) bomb, or 1,576 lb (716 kg) Mk VIII or Mk IX torpedo, or three 530 lb (240 kg) or six 250 lb (110 kg) bombs.

First flown on 30 September 1932, the project caught the interest of the Air Ministry, who produced Specification 4/33 around the aircraft and placed an initial order with Blackburn for it in early 1933. The Baffin was initially procured for the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), who transferred many of their existing Ripons back to Blackburn for remanufacturing into the Baffin configuration; new-build aircraft were also produced. During January 1934, it was introduced to service. It had a relatively short service life with the FAA, who elected to withdraw the type in favour of newer aircraft prior to the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939. The only export customer for the Baffin was the Royal New Zealand Air Force, who had acquired 29 existing aircraft from the UK during 1937. These were largely used in reserve roles and for training, and were only operated for a short period into the conflict until their withdrawal sometime in 1941.

Development

[edit]

During the early 1930s, the torpedo bomber squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) were equipped with the Blackburn Ripon. While the Ripon had only entered service in 1930, it was powered by the elderly Napier Lion engine.[1] As early as 1928, Blackburn had promptly recognised that the replacement of the Lion with a modern air-cooled radial engine would present several advantages. Dispensing of the Lion's heavy water-cooled radiators would reduce weight and thus increase payload; air-cooling would also simplify maintenance. The company had initially pursued this direct when it pursued export sales, an alternative powerplant in the form of the Armstrong Siddeley Tiger engine was adopted on those Ripons sold to Finland.[1]

Blackburn remained keen to use low-weight radial engines for its fighters during the early 1930s.[1] It drew up its own plans for a reengining of existing Ripons with either the Armstrong Siddeley Tiger and the second by the Bristol Pegasus engines, which were viewed as having particularly promising performance. As the detailed design of the aircraft was produced, there were no meaningful changes to the airframe save for a new type of engine mounting that was projected on steel struts and was also shifted forwards so that the aircraft's overall centre of gravity could be maintained.[2]

According, during 1932, Blackburn decided to build two prototypes of radial-engined Ripons, each powered by one of these engines, as a private venture (i.e. without an order from the Air Ministry).[3][2] Both of the prototypes were completed in September 1932. On 30 September 1932, the Pegasus-engined prototype conducted its maiden flight, flown by A. M. Blake.[4] Following the completion of manufacturer tests, in February 1933, the two prototypes were delivered to RAF Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, for competitive evaluation flights. Partway through the evaluation, the aircraft were briefly returned to Blackburn's facility in Brough to be fitted with bomb rails and a Townend ring.[4] The Air Ministry paid attention to these trials and expressed its preference for the Pegasus-powered version of the aircraft.[4]

A Baffin, 1934

During early 1933, Specification 4/33 was written up around the aircraft for it to serve as a short-term replacement for the FAA's Ripons.[4] An initial order was issued to Blackburn for a pair of pre-production aircraft, which were speedily constructed. In April, acceptance trials at Martlesham Heath had commenced with the first pre-production aircraft, while the second remained at Brought for trials installation.[4] Sea trials were later performed onboard the aircraft carrier HMS Courageous; on 2 February 1934, the first catapult-assisted takeoff was performed at RAE Farnborough. During September 1933, it was announced that the Air Ministry had approved the name Baffin.[5]

On 10 November 1933, the first production aircraft made its first flight.[6] Orders were underway on the production of 26 newly built aircraft along with 38 conversions of airframes from existing Ripons; these existing airframes were extensively refurbished during this process. The aviation author Aubrey Joseph Jackson noted that the rate of manufacturing was particularly fast.[7] During 1935, a further 26 conversions of Ripons into Baffins were ordered due to the reliability problems that had become associated with the Armstrong Siddeley Tiger engines that had powered the Blackburn Shark. A further factor was the political desire to expand the strength of the Fleet Air Arm.[3][8] An additional three new production Baffins had the 580 hp (430 kW) Pegasus II.M3 engine and were termed the Baffin T8A.[9] The aircraft is said to have inspired the coining of the word "Boffin".[citation needed]

Operational service

[edit]
A flight of Baffins passing over HMS Furious, circa 1936
Baffins amongst other aircraft at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Technical Training School, Rongotai, circa 1940

Initial deliveries, including the two prototypes and 33 production Baffins, were to Gosport for training purposes, such as dummy deck-landings and torpedo practice. During January 1934, No. 820 Squadron was the first to be re-equipping with the Baffin. On 7 March 1934, it was officially announced that the Baffin would be adopted as the standard torpedo bomber of the FAA.[7] Through 1934, efforts were made to quickly disseminate the new aircraft beyond the home region, leading to many being dispatched in kit form to a variety of overseas locations, such as Malta and the Middle East, to equip units in these regions as well.[7]

As early as January 1935, the Baffin was used at sea with No. 810 Squadron aboard HMS Courageous.[7] In August of that year, No. 811 Squadron aboard Furious also received the type, while No. 812 Squadron on Glorious converted during May 1935. A flight of six Baffins of No. 810 Squadron headed the formation of FAA aircraft during the Jubilee Board Review off Spithead on 15 July 1935. On 22 June 1936, one Baffin, while closely circling the French ocean liner SS Normandie, collided with one of its derricks and crashed onto its foredeck.[10]

In 1936 the Baffin began to be replaced in frontline service by more capable aircraft such as the Fairey Swordfish and the Blackburn Shark.[11] No. 812 Squadron was the final FAA unit to operate the Baffin, with most aircraft lost with the destruction of a hangar caused by a tornado in December 1936. During September 1937 all remaining aircraft were struck off and shipped back to Britain.[12] Entering storage, the type did not reenter British service with the outbreak of the Second World War and played no role in the conflict.

During August 1937, New Zealand arranged to acquire an initial batch of 12 Baffins from the Air Ministry, these were delivered in November of that year.[13] The ministry subsequently approach the country seeking to sell further aircraft, thus 17 of the best-condition Baffins still in storage were also purchased and delivered throughout 1938. Despite the arrival of more capable types, these aircraft were equipped by the Territorial Air Force (reserve) squadrons based in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch as it was felt that the Baffin's obsolescence did not impinge on its value for conducting local coastal defence operations.[13]

By September 1939, all three reserve squadrons had been fully equipped.[14] It is believed that 24 Baffins were in an operational condition at the outbreak of the Second World War, 16 of which being stationed in Wellington while eight were based in Christchurch. These aircraft had been largely utilised as trainers prior to hostilities but, with the realisation of the threat posed by surface raiders, New Zealand's Baffins were returned to the active list. They were often dispatched on sea reconnaissance missions, aimed at maintaining awareness of nearby shipping and identifying potential threats.[15]

During March 1940, all of the surviving aircraft were merged into the NZ General Reconnaissance Squadron based at Whenuapai.[16] In 1941, this unit was redesignated 1 GR Squadron, at which point half its strength was transferred to 3 GR Squadron. Baffins continued to patrol the approaches to Lyttleton, Dunedin, and the Foveaux Straits up until this point.[16] The type was replaced by the larger American-built Lockheed Hudson before the outbreak of war with Imperial Japan. The last Baffins were reportedly broken up at Rongotai in 1941.[citation needed]

Surviving aircraft

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The wreck of RNZAF Baffin NZ160, which crashed during 1937, is being rebuilt by Don Subritzky at Dairy Flat.[17]

A second fuselage section was stored in Mapua, South Island, New Zealand as part of the late John Smith collection[18] and has since joined the Subritzky collection.

Operators

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RNZAF Baffin dissembled, on a truck
 United Kingdom
 New Zealand

Variants

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  • T.5J Ripon Mk V : Prototypes. Two built.
    • Blackburn B-4 : Company designation of the first prototype.
    • Blackburn B-5 : Company designation of the second prototype.
  • Baffin Mk I : Two-seat torpedo bomber aircraft for the Royal Navy.

Specifications (T.8 Baffin)

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Data from The British Bomber since 1914.[9]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 38 ft 3+3⁄4 in (11.678 m)
  • Wingspan: 44 ft 10 in (13.67 m)
  • Width: 17 ft 10 in (5.44 m) folded
  • Height: 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
  • Wing area: 683 sq ft (63.5 m2)
  • Empty weight: 3,184 lb (1,444 kg)
  • Gross weight: 7,610 lb (3,452 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Bristol Pegasus I.M3 nine-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 565 hp (421 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed fixed-pitch propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 136 mph (219 km/h, 118 kn) at 6,500 ft (1,981 m)
  • Range: 490 mi (790 km, 430 nmi)
  • Endurance: four hours and 30 minutes[20]
  • Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,600 m)
  • Rate of climb: 600 ft/min (3.0 m/s) at 5,000 ft (1,524 m)[20]

Armament

  • Guns:
  • 1 × forward firing fixed 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers gun
  • 1 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis gun in rear cockpit
  • Bombs:
  • 1 × 1,800 lb (820 kg) 18 in (457 mm) torpedo or 1,600 lb (730 kg) of bombs.

See also

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Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

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Citations

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  1. ^ a b c Jackson 1968, p. 349.
  2. ^ a b Jackson 1968, pp. 349–350.
  3. ^ a b Mason 1994, p. 239.
  4. ^ a b c d e Jackson 1968, p. 350.
  5. ^ Jackson 1968, pp. 350–351.
  6. ^ Jackson 1968, p. 351.
  7. ^ a b c d Jackson 1968, p. 352.
  8. ^ Jackson 1968, pp. 350–352.
  9. ^ a b Mason 1994, p. 240.
  10. ^ Jackson 1968, pp. 352-353.
  11. ^ Jackson 1968, p. 353.
  12. ^ Jackson 1968, pp. 353-354.
  13. ^ a b Jackson 1968, p. 354.
  14. ^ Jackson 1968, p. 355.
  15. ^ Jackson 1968, pp. 355-356.
  16. ^ a b Jackson 1968, p. 356.
  17. ^ "Rebuild of Unique Naval Biplane Survivor Underway". Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  18. ^ issuu.com/craigprint/docs/nelson_aviation_look_inside/10
  19. ^ a b c d Sturtivant and Ballance 1994, p. 361
  20. ^ a b Jackson 1968, pp. 356–357.

Bibliography

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  • Jackson, A. J. (1968). Blackburn Aircraft since 1909. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-00053-6.
  • Mason, Francis K. (1994). The British Bomber since 1914. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. ISBN 0-85177-861-5.
  • Sturtivant, Ray; Ballance, Theo (1994). The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm. Tonbridge, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-223-8.
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