The Blackburn B-20 was an experimental aircraft, first flying in 1940, that attempted to drastically increase the performance of flying boat designs. Blackburn Aircraft undertook an independent design study based on a patent filed by their chief designer, John Douglas Rennie [1] for a retractable pontoon float that formed the planing hull.

Apr 21, 2023 · Kept secret until 1945, the Blackburn B20 was a classified experimental flying boat most renowned for its innovative lower fuselage which could be retracted or extended depending on whether it was floating or flying.

The unique Blackburn B20, which was built at Blackburn Aircraft works at Dumbarton, was a twin-engine reconnaissance aircraft designed to meet Specification R.1/36. It was based upon a patented design study (UK Patent No 433925) by Blackburn's Chief …

The Blackburn B20 is one of the least known British aircraft designs of the Second World War. Although the project was abandoned in 1940 its existence was kept hidden until June 1945. What was so special about this aeroplane to warrant this level of secrecy?

On 7 April 1940, the B20 (now bearing RAF serial V8914) took to the air from Dumbarton for its first attempt at a high speed run.

Jan 20, 2021 · The Blackburn B-20 was an experimental flying boat with a hull that extended for water operations. The prototype exhibited good performance but was lost on an early test flight due to aileron flutter.

Blackburn Aircraft Limited was a British aircraft manufacturer from 1914 to 1963 that concentrated mainly on naval and maritime aircraft. Blackburn Aircraft was founded by Robert Blackburn and Jessy Blackburn, who built his first aircraft in Leeds in 1908 with the company's Olympia Works at Roundhay opening in 1914. [1][2]

May 15, 2018 · Britain's long-ranging coastline and free access to surrounding seas made it a priority for its military to field a fleet of capable flying boats in the post-World War 1/pre-World War 2 period.

Apr 16, 2021 · Though the Blackburn B20 wasn’t chosen as the new patrol aircraft, the RAF recognised that Blackburn had come up with something potentially revolutionary and so authorised the construction of two prototypes.

BLACKBURN B20 -Two 1720hp RR Vulture 24 cylinder X type engines. The B20 had a maximum speed of 322 mph and an estimated range of 1500 miles. Armament consisted of 8 machine guns and eight 250 lb bombs. The B20 had demonstrated satisfactory handling qualities on water and in …