Developed from Swift trials, the Dart reduced wing span while preserving a torpedo-carrying carrier aircraft. The smaller span eased both flight-deck arrangement and folded stowage, while the type still carried a substantial military load. Dart flights served aboard Eagle, Furious, and Courageous, and a 1926 night landing on Furious demonstrated carrier recovery after dark. The first Dart take-off from Courageous ended fatally when the aircraft struck the superstructure and went over the side, showing the hazards that accompanied this early deck-operating work. By the 1930 fleet exercises, Dart formations could make coordinated night attacks and use their very low flying speed to frustrate contemporary fighters. The aircraft therefore helped develop carrier operating techniques as well as torpedo delivery.
Chapter · 29:26-35:40
The Dart and the rise of night carrier operations
The Blackburn Dart paired compact folding-wing stowage with dependable handling that helped make night carrier flying a practical Fleet Air Arm skill.