Piaggio P.12

Blackburn Aircraft

Industry	Aerospace
Headquarters	United Kingdom

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The Blackburn B-1 Segrave was a British twin-engine monoplane from the 1930s, designed to accommodate four passengers for touring purposes and constructed by Blackburn Aircraft.

History

Conceived by Sir Henry Segrave, a renowned racing driver and holder of the world land speed record, this twin-engine four-seat touring monoplane initially took shape as a wooden prototype named the Saro Segrave Meteor I, built by Saunders Roe in Cowes. The prototype, bearing registration G-AAXP, achieved its maiden flight on 28 May 1930. Progress on the project was hindered following the untimely death of its creator on 13 June 1930, resulting from a speedboat accident. The aircraft was showcased to the Italian Air Ministry in Rome, leading to a licence agreement for production under the designation Piaggio P.12; however, only two units were reportedly manufactured. Due to limited facilities at Cowes and a strategic shift towards producing a metal variant, Blackburn constructed two aircraft at Brough Aerodrome, designated Blackburn CA.18 Segrave. Subsequently, Blackburn revised its designation system, renaming the aircraft as the Blackburn B.1 Segrave.

Although promotional tours were conducted throughout Europe, no substantial orders were secured, resulting in only one additional unit being produced. This final example was completed by Blackburn as the Blackburn CA.20 Segrave II, serving as a testbed for a novel single-spar wing design.

Aircraft

Segrave Meteor (registration G-AAXP)

Initially employed as a demonstrator, this wooden prototype later entered private ownership until it was retired at Brough during 1932.

Segrave I (registration G-ABFP)

The inaugural metal version operated cross-Channel charter flights under the British Air Navigation Company before transitioning to private use; it was dismantled at Brough in 1934.

Segrave I (registration G-ABFR)

Utilised primarily by the North Sea Aerial & General Transport Company until 1935, this aircraft mainly served as a ferry across the River Humber. It was subsequently sold to British Air Transport at Redhill Aerodrome and withdrawn from service in 1938.

Segrave II (registration G-ACMI)

First flown on 2 February 1934, this model was used by Blackburn for experimental purposes until its disassembly at Brough in 1935. It was later donated to Loughborough College for educational use as an instructional airframe.

Piaggio P.12

The licensed Italian variant, with two units constructed.

References

• Blackburn Segrave – British Aircraft Directory

External links

• Photo of Segrave Meteor in Flight