Front view of Blackburn Firebrand I prototype

Front view of Blackburn Firebrand I prototype

Here we see the flight deck party on HMS Illustrious pushing the second prototype Blackburn Firebrand I into place ready for a test flight over the Clyde in February 1943. The F.I was armed with four 20mm cannon, had a Sabre inline engine, and an early type 'Spitfire' cockpit canopy. Also note the large air intakes under the engine, which give the impression that the wing was mounted under the fuselage - this isn't the case, but on the Sabre powered versions the engine fairing ran into the top of the wing.

© IWM A 14853

How to cite this article: Rickard, J (17 July 2020), Front view of Blackburn Firebrand I prototype , http://www.historyofwar.org/Pictures/pictures_firebrand_I_HMS_Illustrious_front.html

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