Aircraft identification...

[Robert1968]

The

Initially I thought it was a Roc, very similar to the Skua, but the pic is definitely a Skua.

Roc and SKua are basically the same aircraft except the Roc has a Boulton Paul turret fitted ( same turret fired to the defiant )


Robert

[Dave Jay]

The
Roc and SKua are basically the same aircraft except the Roc has a Boulton Paul turret fitted ( same turret fired to the defiant )


Robert

Thanks for that Robert I never realised that they are basically one of the same, just with an added turret.


Always learning!

[Robert1968]

Thanks for that Robert I never realised that they are basically one of the same, just with an added turret.
Always learning!

the skua had 4 forward firing machine guns .303 in the wings (2 each side ) and one Vickers in the rear for defence. Skua was used effectively in dive bombing ( much like the helldiver, dauntless and the Junkers 87


Roc had no forward firing guns like the defiant but had a 4 gun turret at the rear. Was used simulator tactics to the defiant ( broadside or underneath where the defence was poor.


Both aircraft were used by the Royal Navy and sometimes were on the same missions.


Rocks and Skuas were relegated later to secondary units like target tugs like the defiant as better aircraft came on line


Robert

[Guest]

I googled 'Airfix Blackburn Skua' and there appears to be a post discussing this on Britmodeller, so we aren't alone in what we think. Airfix's website has a new forum section as well, and may have picked up on the requests for a Skua on there.

[Robert1968]

I'm being a bit hard on the Skua. They shot down several He 111s during the Norwegian campaign which speaks more for the determination of the FAA crews than it does the abilities of the Skua. Gumbrecht's, featured above, is just one.
Cheers


Steve

BLackburn SKuas and BLackburn Rocs were often recorded together especially I think in the Norwegian CAmpain and I do recall the skuas actually sinking a ship too ( first of the war )


Memories not what it used to be ill have to get the old books out!!


Robert