Sunderland I

The Blackburn Sunderland I was Britain’s first purpose‑built maritime patrol flying boat, entering service with the Royal Air Force in 1937. Developed by Blackburn Aircraft from the earlier Iris and later the (B‑20) design, the Sunderland I featured a deep‑hull, all‑metal monocoque fuselage that allowed it to land on open seas and operate in rough weather. Powered by four Bristol Pegasus radial engines mounted on the wing’s upper surface, it could cruise at 150 mph and carry a typical crew of nine. Its armament comprised eight .303‑inch machine guns positioned in nose, dorsal, tail and waist turrets, giving it one of the heaviest defensive suites of any aircraft of its era. The aircraft could also transport up to 2,000 lb of bombs, depth charges or a torpedo, making it a versatile anti‑submarine platform. During World War II the Sunderland earned the nickname “Flying Porcupine” for its formidable firepower and proved decisive in protecting Atlantic convoys, locating and attacking German U‑boats. Post‑war the type remained in service until the early 1950s, influencing later maritime patrol designs and cementing Blackburn’s reputation as a pioneer of naval aviation.

Blackburn Aircraft

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