Model of a WW2 British Backburn Roc Airplane

~ Model of a WW2 British Backburn Roc Airplane ~

The Blackburn Roc was a British naval fighter aircraft developed and used during World War II. It was notable for its unique and somewhat unconventional turret-mounted gun position. However, it did not achieve significant success in combat, and only a limited number were built. Here’s a brief history of the Blackburn Roc:

Development: The Blackburn Roc was developed by the British aircraft manufacturer Blackburn Aircraft Limited as a response to a 1935 Air Ministry Specification for a naval fighter aircraft that could be used on Royal Navy aircraft carriers. The specification called for a turret-armed fighter.

Design: The most distinctive feature of the Blackburn Roc was its dorsal turret, which was armed with a single 7.7mm (0.303-inch) Lewis machine gun. This turret was operated by the observer, who also served as the rear gunner. The pilot had a forward-firing machine gun (initially a Vickers machine gun, later a Browning .303 machine gun) mounted in the nose.

Performance: The Blackburn Roc was not a high-performance aircraft. It was powered by a Bristol Perseus XII radial engine, which provided adequate but not exceptional speed and climb rate. Its performance was considered lacking even at the time of its introduction.

Operational Service: The Blackburn Roc entered service with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm in 1939. It was intended to provide anti-aircraft cover for naval convoys and fleets, as well as reconnaissance capabilities.

Combat Record: The Roc’s combat record during World War II was unimpressive. Its turret design limited its agility and maneuverability, making it vulnerable to enemy fighter aircraft. It was quickly replaced by more capable and conventional naval aircraft.

Limited Production: Blackburn produced 136 Rocs between 1938 and 1939, which were used by various Fleet Air Arm squadrons. However, its operational life was relatively short, as it was retired from front-line service in 1943.

Legacy: The Blackburn Roc is often remembered as one of the less successful and less well-known aircraft of World War II. Its unconventional design hindered its combat effectiveness, and it was quickly replaced by more capable naval aircraft like the Fairey Fulmar and the Supermarine Seafire.

The Blackburn Roc’s unique turret design was an attempt to incorporate the idea of a rear-facing gunner in a naval fighter, but it ultimately proved to be impractical in combat situations. Despite its limitations, the Roc serves as an interesting footnote in the history of naval aviation during World War II.

~ Condition ~

Please see the pictures

~ Dimensions ~

The wingspan is 19.5 cm and the overall length is 15 cm.