The Blackburn Company received an initial order for 26 new aircraft, entering RAF service seven years after being introduced to the Royal Navy. These RAF versions, designated S.Mk.2B, had several differences from their naval counterparts. Initially, the Royal Air Force was not keen on acquiring this aircraft, but the Buccaneer soon proved to be an outstanding performer. By the time they were due for retirement, the RAF was reluctant to part with them. Although they were compelled to accept a naval aircraft they had initially rejected, the camouflaged Buccaneers quickly demonstrated why they were far from a secondary choice.
BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.