Blackburn Sidecar

Blackburn Sidecar

National origin: England
Manufacturer: Blackburn Aeroplane & Motor Co. Ltd.
First flight: 1919
Number built: 1

The Blackburn Sidecar was a two-seat ultra-light aircraft designed in Portkil, Scotland from 1919. There is no evidence that it ever flew.

Development

The side by side two-seat Sidecar was built by the Blackburn Aeroplane & Motor Co. Ltd. at Brough in 1919 for Mr.K.M Smith.

It was a small mid-winged aircraft, with wings and other flying surfaces of constant chord. It had no fixed tail surfaces. The triangular cross section fuselage was unusually deep, such that the undercarriage cross axle was attached to the keel or bottom longeron.

The sole Sidecar, eventually registered G-EALN on 26 August 1920, was exhibited at Harrods Department store in Knightsbridge during March 1919. It did not fly with the low powered Gnat. About July 1921 the aircraft was sold to Mr. Haydon-White, Blackburn's London manager who had it re-engined with a 100 hp Anzani radial. By October 1921 it was logged as unairworthy. There is no record of it flying during these four months.

Specifications (Gnat)

Data from Janes 1919

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Capacity: 1 passenger
Length: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
Wingspan: 27 ft 3 in (8.31 m)
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Wing area: 123 ft² (11.43 m²)
Empty weight: 392 lb (178 kg)
Gross weight: 850 lb (386 kg)
Powerplant: 1 x— ABC Gnat flat twin, 40 hp (30 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: (estimated) 83 mph (134 km/h)
Range: (estimated) 300 miles (480 km)

Bibliography

Jane's All the Worlds Aircraft 1919
Jackson, A.J. (1968). Blackburn Aircraft since 1909. London: Putnam Publishing. ISBN 0 370 00053 6.

Blackburn Sidecar Pictures and Blackburn Sidecar for Sale.

Living Warbirds: The best warbirds DVD series.

Source: WikiPedia