by Davski813
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by Davski813
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Probably one of the best-kept secrets at Breighton Airfield was revealed to the public during the recent Best of British event (see report elsewhere).
Behind closed doors, Taff Smith and the team have been meticulously building a stunning Blackburn Monoplane, using the original design drawings preserved by BAE Systems’ Heritage Team. A true Yorkshire aircraft, the Blackburn Monoplane is now one step closer to flying in Yorkshire skies once again.
The original aircraft was designed by Robert Blackburn OBE FRAeS, one of Britain’s great aviation pioneers and the founder of Blackburn Aircraft.
Born in Kirkstall, Leeds, Robert Blackburn attended Leeds Modern School before graduating in engineering from the University of Leeds. In 1909, he built his first aircraft- a monoplane- and made its maiden hop on Filey Sands that spring. Although the aircraft was later badly damaged in 1910 after he lost control while attempting a turn, Blackburn’s determination never faltered.
He moved to Filey and built a second monoplane, which firmly established his reputation as an aviation pioneer. In 1911, he founded the Blackburn Aeroplane Company, followed by the Blackburn Aeroplane & Motor Company in 1914. That same year, he opened a factory at Roundhay, Leeds, before relocating production in 1916 to a purpose-built factory on the banks of the River Humber at Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire.
This remarkable Blackburn Monoplane project will be a fitting flying tribute to Robert Blackburn and his extraordinary contribution to British aviation.
With the aircraft now nearing completion, it won’t be long before this historic Yorkshire design returns to the skies where its story first began.
Image: Tom Wray
