The Blackburn Baffin was a carrier-borne biplane torpedo bomber designed in 1932 by Major F A Bumpus for the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm and went into active service in 1934. The Baffin remained in service with the FAA until replaced by newer aircraft such at the Fairey Swordfish in late 1936 by which time 97 aircraft had been produced. New Zealand acquired some 29 ex FAA Baffins in 1937 to serve in a reserve capacity, at the outbreak of WW2 they were relegated to reconnaissance and training roles until finally replaced in 1941 by Lockheed Hudsons. Blackburn Baffin Specifications: Crew: Pilot and navigator Gross weight: 7,610 Ib (3,455 kg) Span: 45 ft 6.5 in (13.87 m) Length: 38 ft 3'/4 in (11.67 m) Engine: Single 545 hp Pegasus I radial engine Maximum speed: 136 mph (219 km/h) at 6,500 ft (1,981 m) Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572 m)
Armament: Single fixed forward-firing 0.303-in (7.7-mm) Vickers machine gun Single rear cockpit ring mounted Lewis gun single 1,576-lb (716-kg) Mk VIII or Mk IX torpedo or up to 2,000-lb of bombs
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