|
| The first prototype, two-seat B-54 with the Rolls-Royce Griffon 56 piston engine and counterrotating propellers flew on 20 September, 1949. The second prototype with a crew of three flew on 3 May 1950. The third prototype was a turboprop-powered B-88 flown on 19 July 1950.
No series production followed because the Fairey Gannet was selected.
 | A three-view drawing of Blackburn B-54 (597 x 460) |
| MODEL | B-88 |
| CREW | 3 |
| ENGINE | 1 x Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba, 2200kW |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 5938 kg | 13091 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 13.46 m | 44 ft 2 in |
| Length | 13.0 m | 43 ft 8 in |
| Height | 5.11 m | 17 ft 9 in |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 515 km/h | 320 mph |
| sven, 07.01.2017 20:33 Chain drive? I dont think so. Contra props were no novelty in 1949,It had a reduction gearbox gearbox. As for the distinctive sound , yes contra props with the Griffon or the turbine would have been distinctive. reply | | Mike Cole-Hamilton, e-mail, 06.01.2017 00:42 Loyalties apart (I flew the AEW3, AS4 and T5 Gannets in the 60's) I think the AS and T5 were better lookers. NOBODY could accuse the AEW3 of being a good looker, but it was endearing and a pleasure to fly. Re. the chain drive, I am astounded! reply | | Trevor Webb, e-mail, 20.12.2013 13:10 The designations of this type is very confusing. The first protype was designated B-54 and YA5. This had the RR Griffin engine as did the second prototype also known as the YA7 but retaining the B-54 designation. The third protype with the Double Mambas was designated both the B-88 and YB1. reply | | bombardier, e-mail, 03.12.2011 21:27 At least it looks nicer than the Gannet. reply | |
| | John Sutton, e-mail, 13.10.2010 14:20 If I remember this aircraft had a chain drive to the propellers and it made an extraordinary noise when flying. One flew over our school playing fields at Uppingham, Rutland in the early 1950's and I always remember the sound. reply |
|
Do you have any comments?
|
| 
COMPANY
PROFILE
All the World's Rotorcraft
|
