Designed against a contract to supply a carrier capable Anti Submarine aircraft the B-88/YB.1 was the ultimate development of the earlier B-54/YA.7 and B-54/YA.8. The one and only B-88/YB.1 first flew on 19th July 1950 and appeared at Farnborough a couple of months later. While the earlier versions shared the same basic airframe, the aircraft was powered by an Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba engine, which also powered the Fairey Gannet which went on to win the contract. SOC in December 1955, the aircraft was scrapped at Fleetlands in 1963.

The first of three YA.7 prototype anti-submarine aircraft built in 1949/50. In flight over East Yorkshire from Blackburn's base at Brough near Hull. The Fairey Gannet won the Royal Navy contract and this aircraft was used by the RAE for equipment tests. Obtained from Blackburns 60 years ago.