The Blackburn Shark was a British carrier-borne torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft developed in the late 1930s. It served as a key aircraft for the Royal Navy during the interwar period and into the early years of World War II.
The prototype, known as the Blackburn B-6 Shark, first flew in July 1934. It was powered by a Bristol Pegasus IIIM3 radial engine, providing it with a top speed of around 147 mph (237 km/h) and had a range of approximately 460 miles (740 km) and a service ceiling of 20,400 feet (6,218 meters). The aircraft was armed with one 0.303-inch Lewis machine gun in the rear cockpit and could carry a single 18-inch (450 mm) torpedo or 500-pound (227 kg) bombs.
The Blackburn Shark entered service with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm in 1935 and was deployed aboard British aircraft carriers. It saw active service in various locations, including the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, during the late 1930s and early 1940s. While the Blackburn Shark was considered somewhat outdated by the outbreak of World War II, it played a role in anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions.
~ Dimensions ~
The model has a length of 15cm (6 inches) and a wingspan of 20cm (8 inches).
~ Condition ~
The model is of wood construction, hand-painted and is nicely detailed.
It is in very good condition commensurate with age.
