Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:03:01-1:03:33

Why the Blackburn Blackburn never saw combat

The aircraft had left service before a conflict could give it combat employment, despite the panel's joking claim that its appearance deterred enemies.

Blackburn BlackburnInterwar AviationNaval Aviation
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Question

Was the Blackburn Blackburn ever used in combat?

Short answer

No; according to the panel, it had been retired before a conflict could employ it.

Notes

The Blackburn Blackburn was retired before a conflict could place it in combat. It therefore had an operational career without a wartime employment record. A joke follows that its appearance terrified potential opponents, but that is not offered as the historical explanation. Entering service did not mean the aircraft was ever tested in combat.