Blackburn Swift F

T.2 Dart
Blackburn Dart T.2, N9541, 461 Flight, HMS Furious, c. 1930
Role	Torpedo bomber
Manufacturer	Blackburn Aircraft
First flight	October 1921
Introduction	1922
Retired	1933
Primary user	Royal Air Force (Fleet Air Arm)
Produced	1922–1928
Number built	118 (plus eight Swift export models)
Variants	Blackburn Velos

The Blackburn Dart was a British carrier-based torpedo bomber biplane, manufactured by Blackburn Aircraft, which first flew in 1921. The Dart was the standard single-seat torpedo bomber used by the Fleet Air Arm from 1923 until 1933. A modified variant was also sold to Greece, where they served with the Greek Navy.

In 1919, Blackburn commenced the design of a private venture, carrier-based torpedo-bomber to replace the Sopwith Cuckoos which were the existing torpedo bombers flying from the Royal Navy's carriers. The Blackburn aircraft, the product of their chief designer, Major Frank Arnold Bumpus, was named T.1 Swift. Although mainly conventional, the large biplane featured two-bay, equal-span wings that were staggered and could fold for storage aboard ship. The wing centre section structure was steel with wooden outer sections, all fabric covered.Ailerons were mounted on all four wings. The fuselage was mounted on the lower wing, and also consisted of a metal structure with fabric covering. The tail unit had a braced tailplane and fin with a balanced rudder. The divided landing gear had mainwheels on oleo legs that allowed the fitting of a standard torpedo below the fuselage.

The prototype Swift first flew in September 1920, almost crashing owing to a miscalculated centre of gravity. This was resolved by sweeping back the wings, while a revised rudder was fitted to improve directional control. Following this, the Swift proved satisfactory, and an order was placed against Specification 3/20 for a further three aircraft for service trials. These were renamed the Blackburn Dart.

...
Wikipedia