Early Blackburn Aircraft | The Good, The Bad, and The Structurally Questionable

[@RexsHangar]

F.A.Q Section Q: Do you take aircraft requests? A: I have a list of aircraft I plan to cover, but feel free to add to it with suggestions:) Q: Why do you use imperial measurements for some videos, and metric for others? A: I do this based on country of manufacture. Imperial measurements for Britain and the U.S, metric for the rest of the world, but I include text in my videos that convert it for both. Q: Will you include video footage in your videos, or just photos? A: Video footage is very expensive to licence, if I can find footage in the public domain I will try to use it, but a lot of it is hoarded by licencing studies (British Pathe, Periscope films etc). In the future I may be able to afford clips :) Q: Why do you sometimes feature images/screenshots from flight simulators? A: Sometimes there are not a lot of photos available for certain aircraft, so I substitute this with digital images that are as accurate as possible. Feel free to leave you questions below - I may not be able to answer all of them, but I will keep my eyes open :)

[@vitorgas1]

Any chance of covering brazilian planes like the Tucano?

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

I’m hoping you would be interested in The Pitcairn Autogyro PA-30 and the American Kellet … which were never really used to anything approaching their potential … the Japanese used theirs from escort carriers but the allies never seemed to know what to do with them .. Thank You 😊

[@doankhang9496]

Can you do a video on the Fairey III seaplane

[@FFND16N]

I look forward to your video on the early development of airfoils.

[@RexsHangar]

@@vitorgas1 Some of them are on the list :)

[@rayceeya8659]

You're putting together a video about Those Magnificent Men and their Flying Machines? YES PLEASE! I love that movie.

[@CrazyassGaming]

up, down round and around, those magnificent men in their flying machines.... god I love that film

[@animaltvi9515]

Was just going to say that. Seen some of the planes they used at the shuttleworth collection . Great film. Balloons unt blunderbusses

[@Chilly_Billy]

Absolutely!

[@hueyiroquois3839]

I'm replying just to attract more attention to this idea.

[@RexsHangar]

If I *didn't* do a video on that film I would be charged with criminal negligence, and rightfully so

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

Many years ago, I owned a book: "What were they like to fly", by an author who had flown a lot of types from prewar and on. And he named a Blackburn as the plane he would most like to do a crash in!

[@mathewkelly9968]

Well Blackburn finished with one of the great combat aircraft , the Buccaneer

[@mikeblackburn33]

my Grandads brother 😅❤

[@mikeblackburn33]

you're welcome lol 😊 check out my surname . He was my Great Uncle 👍

[@coreyandnathanielchartier3749]

It's amazing how much one man could accomplish in just a few years . Blackburn isn't a household name in the engineering world, but he certainly had a creative genius and was on par with any of the better-known pioneers.

[@MechaWolf0]

The Type D is my favorite of pioneer era aircraft. I just love it. Also, Those Magnificent Men is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@richrichie378]

My dad who's now passed away worked at Blackburn aircraft later BAe systems for 45 years. After he retired, he returned once a week with a small team of other experienced ex workers on heritage project and rebuilt the original monoplane. They took the fully assembled aircraft to East Park in Hull to East Park show, for people to see this fabulous piece of history.

[@MetaReplication]

Honestly, I'd rather watch Rex's Hangar than some big budget documentary about the same topic. It's very, very good content. Good job.

[@MrPnhartley]

An excellent in-depth documentary on an iconic company!

[@gregedmand9939]

This is my favourite offering to date. The longer format was very good and hopefully an indicator of great things to come. Aviation's most fascinating periods were the times of great innovation and imagination. Can you put yourself in the cockpit of that Blackburn Triplane? Its box kite shape and rotary mill must have been "exciting" for the pilots... but must have been nimble!

[@Daniel_cheems]

This channel is pure gold. I love these historic documentaries!

[@johnnunn8688]

I recognised the name Hucks and checked it out. Yes, he was the RFC Capt Benfield Hucks, who invented the Hucks starter, which saved many a ground crew hernia.

[@johnjephcote7636]

A similar background to A.V.Roe, an engineering background and a start-up in the basement of a mill.

[@coreyandnathanielchartier3749]

Forgot to mention I really appreciate your putting together this information on these obscure aircraft. It is refreshing , as a lifelong (50 yrs) aviation enthusiast, to find new information that has been long ignored by aviation historians.

[@TurbosTantrums]

If anyone's in the region of York, the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington has a bit about Blackburn as one of the local air pioneers along with people like George Cayley and Amy Johnson. Worth a visit.

[@rexmundi3108]

2:04 You don't often see the weight tower that towed the Wright planes aloft. Most people think they got off the ground under their own power

[@user-do5zk6jh1k]

Most people think they required the weight catapult, but they were able to takeoff under their own power under most circumstances, such as on their maiden flight.

[@rexmundi3108]

@@user-do5zk6jh1k Really?

[@bobfry5267]

@@rexmundi3108 Not everywhere has the convenient winds of Kitty Hawk. If they had moved to the West coast of Normandy and not Le Mans the tower would have been redundant on many days.And they did make non-return flights, without taking the tower with them.

[@user-do5zk6jh1k]

@@rexmundi3108 Yeah. The fact that they also used wooden planks for their runway also makes it look like they needed assistance, when in reality, they just didn't have wheels and needed a smooth surface to take off

[@milanmaletic3997]

Type D is seen at least twice in Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines. Second time is after the race begins. It's being flown by a Scotsman. Excellent video Rex, and I can hardly wait to see the review of the other planes from that movie.

[@RexsHangar]

oooh good catch, I forgot about that scene! I look forward to covering this film :D

[@jimsvideos7201]

Irreverence aside, thank you for all the work put into this.

[@JohnKenIRB233]

Thx for the excellent script you provide. From my experience in industry I expect you spend a significant amount of time to prepare your work! I also appreciate your careful measured verbal presentation. So many people in YT rush through their presentation! Thx

[@mr.fredricklawngtawnghedav5094]

This channel is narrated by an Australian, who has mastered all aspects of the pommy language. A true authority on the historic beginnings of powered human flight, and the reasoning behind the evolution of the various flights systems.

[@brettcoster4781]

He's actually Australian, who has mastered all aspects of the Pommy language!

[@mr.fredricklawngtawnghedav5094]

@@brettcoster4781 My bad. Thanks. I respect a accurate documentary. Love this channel

[@andrewigley3931]

I love this format of video. Provides such an intimate look into the culture surrounding aviation development, would love to see this done with as many companies as possible!

[@chrisshorten4406]

This was pretty awesome to see! I'm excited for the airship video you said is coming up. It's surprisingly difficult to find info about them, especially earlier ones (and this coming from a man who works for a seller of used books).

[@RexsHangar]

Airships are one of my favourite topics, and you're right in saying its difficult to get information on some particular models!

[@chrisshorten4406]

@@RexsHangar I know, right? They're just so cool! I've tried to find goood info particularly on WWI models, but it's quite tricky.

[@brettcoster4781]

It iz not a balloon. It iz a Zeppelin!

[@chrisshorten4406]

@@brettcoster4781 who said it was a balloon?

[@brettcoster4781]

@@chrisshorten4406 It's a catchphrase from an old Monty Python sketch.

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

Contention: Blackburn's best aircraft was its last (Buccaneer).

[@wingmanjim6]

Excellent, informative, and, as usual, very well presented - many thanks !

[@clouds-through-a-window8942]

I've watched this three times now. Obsessive? maybe... but either way a great video discussing a section of aviation history that is rarely looked at in an in-depth manner. The pioneers are often made to seem like whack-jobs that tried to make circus tents fly, its nice to hear a different perspective, one that focuses on the ingenuity and determination of those early few. I'd keenly watch more of these videos three times in a row, THEY'RE FANTASTIC!

[@paulhaynes8045]

Really fascinating video - thank you. I learnt so much from this, and (at last!) am beginning to understand how the early planes developed and the differences between mono and bi-planes. It seems weird today that (in this case at least) the monoplane was the first design and was replaced by the biplane! . Incredible that Blackburn's first plane was effectively a copy of the Wright brother's, and yet, within hardly any time at all, he was designing reliable and long-duration (by the standards of the time), 'modern' looking aircraft. A breathtaking rate of development. I wonder what his dad thought of it all! Your short videos are great for an entertaining/informative watch when you don't have much time, but these longer ones are really something to get your teeth into - I can't wait for the ones you mention to be aired.

[@m.i.andersen8167]

Thanks for a great video! The more details the better and your videos can never get too long because everything in them is so serious and interesting. You fly really high above most other aircraft YT channels!

[@johnclayden1670]

I always enjoy your stuff but with this you have excelled. Well done.

[@adrianrutterford762]

Yeeehh!!! A new video from the hanger. Looking forward to seeing a detailed history. Thanks

[@zacharygerken4387]

I don't know if you already have but have you considered doing a video on the Blackburn Blackburn? Just curious.

[@waywardscythe3358]

he's already got one

[@zacharygerken4387]

@@waywardscythe3358 Will have to go watch it then.

[@waywardscythe3358]

@@zacharygerken4387 I'd say it's good, but ALL his videos are good.

[@zacharygerken4387]

@@waywardscythe3358 True that

[@elgato9445]

Utterly fascinating. Thank you Rex.

[@HardThrasher]

What a fantastic video, thank you, I'm pulling together a video on the Buccaneer and this has been a brilliant guide to Blackburn's early years

[@kmac5682]

Super interesting topic. You did a great job giving us pretext and an understanding about how Blackburn evolved over time. Thank you!

[@martinj.fowler6262]

A Blackburn pusher triplane was on static display at Fort Paull near Hull well into the 21st century. Fort Paull closed and I have no idea what happened to the triplane although a Blackburn Beverley was autioned for £21,000 according to wikipedia.

[@drstevenrey]

You know, these guys, having a total of zero to look at back then, they did come up with a whole lot of really clever stuff. Sure, he had some previous knowledge from the Antoinette, but everything after that, was pure genius. Deep respect.

[@tisFrancesfault]

Aww we didnt get to the Blackburn Blackburn :'(

[@maryclarafjare]

Really very enjoyable, many thanks for a great video!

[@strayling1]

You're really taking this channel to a new level - bravo, and more please!

[@garywithers852]

Marske and Saltburn are just down the beach from me. Didn't know about the test flight, but, a good long beach to do it on.

[@charlesmoss8119]

What a wonderful video - thank you - this was such an interesting history of a company I tend to slightly disregard

[@40over86]

Great video Rex. Thanks!

[@Aengus42]

Subscribed, liked and commented! Fascinating to see those incredibly early air to air photographs. You were right about poor visibility. You can see they were flying at cloud base and by how clearly you could see that road they didn't have much altitude at all.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

Magnificent video! Well done! Always loved the early Blackburn triangular planes. I hope one of your longer videos is a history of Glen Curtis and his early life and career. The OG Hellrider

[@FFND16N]

That Admiralty AD1 'Sparrow' contraption is one of my all-time favorites. That fuselage "..offered 'Up' to Heaven.."; literally a 'coffin-4-boffins'; the few existing photos showing a pilot aboard reveal a very nervous gentleman peering back at the camera.

[@crispy4731]

Always look forward to your videos, keep it up!

[@daisho13]

Awesome little doco, thanks for sharing your work mate. 👍

[@Otokichi786]

First (Heavyweight) Monoplane Second Monoplane Mercury Mercury II Blackburn Monoplane Type B Mercury III Blackburn Type E Blackburn Type D/Single Seat Monoplane Blackburn Type I Blackburn Type L Blackburn Type TB/Twin Blckburn Blackburn AD Scout Blackburn Triplane Blackburn White Falcon

[@tiss0006]

Love the longer videos!!!

[@dominichoughton8119]

It was interesting to hear about the Hendon connection. I visited the RAF museum at Hendon a few years ago, but wasn't aware of the site's history.

[@UnclePutte]

These documentaries are becoming a daily habit of mine. Keep up the good work.

[@964cuplove]

Great video, super interesting to see the development back and forth rather than just a singular plane! Make these as long and detailed as you like, I could listen to hours of this with no problem 😎😎

[@ralphgarrett9034]

Thank you Professor Rex , I really enjoyed how your video clearly defined this chronological development of this Genius’s aircraft

[@HereticalKitsune]

Yay for "Those Magnificent Men In THeir Flying Machines"! Great movie for sure~

[@OscarFerro]

Thank you very much, and I'm looking forward to your report about Those Magnificent Men and their Flying Machines, which is one of my favorite movies in my childhood.

[@mandolinic]

A tour-de-force. Really interesting and engaging. Thank you for all your effort.

[@loftxx]

very interesting video, great fun to see so many of the first planes of early aviation

[@noahwail2444]

I am really looking forward to the magnificent flying mashines, I saw it with my son a few weeks back. Keep up the good work, i enjoy it a lot!

[@wagonrestorant8032]

Your videos can be recommended to advanced English learners for such exquisite and sophisticated use of language of yours. Every time watching them I find something neat for everyday use. Please accept my sincere appreciation!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The first flight of the Blackburn Monoplane Number 1 was from the beach between Marske and Saltburn, as when the tide is out you have a large area of firm sand.

[@davidbauer1485]

The Blackburn Triplane is my fave! Makes a great model rocket launched vertically.

[@Robert-ff9wf]

When I was a kid in NJ, growing up at the end of the 60s, and starting 1st grade in 1970. There was this show called The 4:30 Movie! It came on right after I walked in the house after the school bus dropped me home. It was on channel 7. And Those Magnificent Men and Their Flying Machines was on! That's the first time I saw it and then it they played it once a week. I always used to enjoy it. I liked the other old movie too with Tony Curtis, Race around the world or something. It was the same movie but there racing cars instead. I think it had the same mustache twirling villin in it too!

[@robg5958]

I'm thoroughly enjoying your videos. Have you considered doing something about Short Brothers?

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Greetings from North Yorkshire (Scarborough and soon moving to Filey!)

[@Waldherz]

Please more videos of that lengh! 3rd time watching it.

[@warrenjones744]

Great stuff here Rex. I enjoyed it very much.

[@Straswa]

Great vid Rex! Fascinating info.

[@nocount7517]

39:15 Unless the "rev counter" counts the total number of engine revolutions, and not the immediate crankshaft rotational speed, it's called a tachometer.

[@andrewwilson6085]

Very interesting! I didn't know of the company connection with Greens, keep up the good work! 😀

[@mkendallpk4321]

The Blackburn Aircraft Co. motto (for most of their designs)- "If it looks strange or weird, it's a Blackburn."

[@Gamer_1745]

I really like your style of videos. Thanks so much for them. I would like to see videos on the F4F covering the change from fixed wing to folding wing and another one on the TBF.

[@georgesmith4509]

Once again, a great piece of work! I was surprised to learn about the Blackburn Tri-plane I alway thought Avroe was first, based on Percy Pilchers motorised glider.

[@hungryhedgehog4201]

Great video for inspiration for Flying Circus planes

[@Dr.K.Wette_BE]

That is a very unknown part of aviation ! 👏👏👏 (by the way, I know descendants of Léon Levavasseur.)

[@robertdragoff6909]

I can hardly wait for part II of this epic. Whatever happened to Blackburn? That’s something I’d like to know about to see what happened to this company. Great video

[@richrichie378]

The company then based at Brough East Yorkshire became, Hawker Sidley during the 1970s I'm not sure how that transition came about. Later sometime from the mid to late 1980s it became British Aerospace, then later possibly the early 2000s became BAE Systems. The company was the biggest employer in East Yorkshire with around 5,000 employees. From around 2005, the company the BAE Systems then went through a big reform and shrunk the manufacturing capacity and concentrated it's works across at sites in the north west. Around 3 or 4 years back all manufacturing ceased at Brough, over 100 years came to an end. The last of the equipment was taken out last year.. there is still a test facility and some technicians and do take a few apprentices and some commercial offices.. but the manufacturing has gone.

[@Katy_Jones]

A Blackburn DID cause quite a stir at the Fairford display once. When the ATC freq gave a B1 permission to land....

[@nathan_4199]

Let's go 50 minute long video!!

[@chrisshorten4406]

"Another four a forced landing in a carnage field." A certain merchant of cabbage: "My cabbages!!!!!"

[@Aengus42]

That's the first Freudian slip I've seen from predictive text software! A "carnage field" is much more descriptive than a "cabbage field" 😆

[@davidbrennan660]

All hail the Blackburn Blackburn! It has a plotting table in it.

[@stranraerwal]

thanks for this extremely well-researched video!

[@guillensuarezmartinez831]

The only thing that works for us to be able and thanks for your time.

[@ianbell5611]

Thank You. What an amazing amount of information. Very enjoyable video. 👍👍👍

[@randomrexy2135]

these overviews are amazing such a intresting and original idea and its lovely to see you get the reconition and hopefuoly more to come always click on them when i see them much love and keep going

[@MajesticOak]

Blackburn is basically the Kel Tec of early to mid 20th century aviation. Absolutely cursed designs but at least they have the balls to consistently innovate where few others dared.

[@JanKustersSittard]

Allow me to ad a big YES on the Magnificent Men plane review...

[@onkelmicke9670]

That was an impressive video

[@3ducs]

For a time the engines rotated with the propellers, perhaps that is what was meant.

[@daves2001]

Excellent video, really looking forward to Your Magnificent Men video, I live next to Brooklands and they have a few aircraft of the types in the film there 🙂

[@myke49]

Well done that man. Great stuff. Those early pilots were very brave people. I think I need to build a Radio Controlled model of one of Mr Blackburn's efforts. I do have a RC Etrich Taube which flies really well. And, Those Magnificent Men and their Flying Machines is one of my all time favourite movies. I remember seeing it some time in the 1960s. My grand kids love it too. Cheers. Mike in Oz

[@RichardGoth]

Found the book "Building aeroplanes for ʻthose magnificent men ̓" by Allen H. Wheeler in the SLNSW...fascinating read!

[@grizwoldphantasia5005]

How did the White Falcon get past the ban on monoplanes?

[@ronjon7942]

New subscriber here, thank you for your channel, Rex.

[@Beorninki]

Very interesring indeed! Thank You.

[@martynadams9942]

Brilliant video. Love it!

[@TalkernateHistory]

Sydney Pickles, what a name!

[@edwardtreen7416]

Absolutely fascinating. Thank you very much.

[@nhart6046]

Thank you for the great content.

[@DankNoodles420]

#3 time asking. Please do a video on the BF 110 G-4. Three-crew night fighter, FuG 202/220 Lichtenstein radar, optional Schräge Musik, usually mounted midway down the cockpit with the cannon muzzles barely protruding above the canopy glazing. Multiple combinations of engine boosts, Schräge Musik, radar arrangements and forward firing armament were available in the form of Rüstsätze and Umrüst-Bausätze kits.

[@williamscoggin1509]

I really enjoy shows about these old basically experimental aircraft that look like a butterfly could tear them up.

[@guillensuarezmartinez831]

THE SAME FOR EARTH I STORY WITH. BLERIOT - CX

[@RemusKingOfRome]

Excellent video, more please. Strange Blackburn wasn't more prominent with WW1 aircraft ?

[@MrOlgrumpy]

Looking forward to the continuing story,thank you 🙃

[@mikeblackburn33]

the last Blackburn children are growing up in Vilnius Lithuania 🇱🇹 i miss them so much the Ex has them