The Blackburn Dart was a carrier-based torpedo bomber biplane designed and manufactured by the British aviation company Blackburn Aircraft.
It was the standard single-seat torpedo bomber operated by the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) between 1923 and 1933.
Work on what would become the Dart started in 1919 as a private venture.
Originally known as the T.1 Swift, it performed its maiden flight in September 1920.
Three aircraft were ordered for evaluation purposes to fulfil Air Ministry Specification 3/20, which received the name Dart.
First flown in October 1921, its performance quickly impressed officials and a production order was issued to Blackburn on behalf of the FAA.
The Swift name was retained for the pursuit of export sales.
Limited quantities were supplied to multiple overseas operators, including the Japanese Navy, Spanish Navy, and the United States Navy.
Additionally, Greece opted to procure a modified seaplane variant of the aircraft, the Blackburn Velos, which was operated by the Greek Navy as a torpedo bomber.
Variants
T.1 Swift
Prototype torpedo bomber, one built.
Dart
Prototype, one built.
T.2 Dart
Initial production variant, 117 built
(Three converted to two-seat trainers)
Swift Mk II
Export version, seven built.
Swift F
US Navy designation of the Swift Mk II for evaluation
(Would have been designated the BST-1 if ordered).
T.3 Velos
Two-seat variant for the Greek Navy, 16 built
(12 under licence in Greece).
T.3A Velos
Company demonstrator and trial aircraft, six built.
