Blackburn Kangaroo

The Blackburn R.T.1 Kangaroo was a British twin-engine reconnaissance torpedo biplane of the First World War, built by Blackburn Aircraft.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn_Kangaroo
In 1916, the Blackburn Aircraft Company designed and built two prototypes of an anti-submarine floatplane designated the Blackburn G.P. or Blackburn General Purpose. It was not ordered but Blackburn developed a landplane version as the Blackburn R.T.1 Kangaroo (Reconnaissance Torpedo Type 1), pages 76–77 reflecting the Air Board's growing interest in using landplanes rather than floatplanes for convoy escort and anti-submarine patrol duties, with operations not being limited by poor sea conditions, and giving better performance than seaplanes. page 110 page 77
The Kangaroo was a twin-engine tractor biplane of wood and fabric construction. It had four-bay wings with a large upper-wing overhang which could fold for ease of storage. page 100 page 78 The first aircraft was delivered to Martlesham Heath in January 1918. Test results were disappointing, with the rear fuselage being prone to twisting and the aircraft suffering control problems, which led to the order for 50 aircraft being cut to 20, most of which were already partly built. page 397
After six months of military use, resulting in the sinking of one U-boat and damaging of four others, a number of Kangeroos were utilised for civilian purposes, such as cargo transportation, pilot training and/or the accommodation of up to eight passengers. Civil use of the type had ended prior to 1930.
==Sources==
Category:BritishCategory:Blackburn AircraftCategory:BiplaneCategory:Land BasedCategory:Torpedo bomberCategory:Multi enginedCategory:Piston enginedCategory:Multiple crew membersCategory:World War 1