Blackburn R.T. 1 "Kangoroo"
Model Airplane News Cover Art for August, 1965
by Jo Kotula
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The Blackburn Kangaroo was originally designed as a naval reconnaissance and bomber seaplane, but was later converted to a landplane.

  

Blackburn R.T. 1 "Kangoroo"
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Twenty-four Kangaroos were built, the first example flying in July 1916, and 10 of these were issued to No 246 Squadron (the only unit to operate the type) at Seaton Carew, on the Durham coast, from January 1918. Operations began on 1 May, the Kangaroos flying more than 600 hours on anti-submarine patrols over the North Sea between then and 11 November. During that time they were credited with 12 U-boat sightings and 11 attacks, one of which, on 28 August, resulted in the shared destruction of UC 70 with the destroyer HMS Ouse. They were withdrawn in May 1919. Aircraft were sold on the civil market at the end of the war. They saw considerable service as converted for commercial use they could carry eight passengers.

  

Also Shown on the August, 1965 Cover
(left) Fokker Dr.I Triplane (right) Albatros D.III
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Jo Kotula's dramatic cover shows the behemoth "Kangaroo" in mortal combat with two of the most deadly German aircraft of the period. Above the Kangaroo is a Fokker Dr.1 "Dridecker" triplane (as flown by Baron von Richtofen). Below the Blackburn is an Albatros D.III, as flown by Ace of Aces Ernst Udets. This does not bode well for the "less than meneuverable "Kangaroo."

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