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The Vickers Virginia was a biplane heavy bomber of the British Royal Air Force, developed from the Vickers Vimy.
| Virginia | |
|---|---|
 Virginia X in 1922 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Heavy night-bomber |
| Manufacturer | Vickers Limited |
| Primary user | Royal Air Force |
| Number built | 124 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1924 |
| First flight | 24 November 1922 |
| Retired | 1941 |
| Developed from | Vickers Vimy |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2024) |
Work on the Virginia was started in 1920, as a replacement for the Vimy. Two prototypes were ordered on 13 January 1921, with an additional two prototypes ordered in September 1922.[1] The Virginia shared similarities with the Vimy but notably featured a lowered front gunner's pulpit, providing the pilot with a greater field of view, 20 ft (6 m) greater wingspan and a 9 ft (3 m) longer fuselage. The aircraft was powered by twin Napier Lion engines and flew for the first time on 24 November 1922.[2]
At the Aircraft Experimental Establishment at RAF Martlesham Heath, the Virginia prototype underwent type trials. One of the first modifications was to replace the original two-bladed propellers with four-bladed propellers. An unusual set of "fighting top" turrets were added to the top wings, but these were later deleted from production aircraft.[3] Marks I–VI featured straight wings with swept outer wings introduced on the Mark VII. Starting with the Mark III, the Virginia mounted a rear fuselage gunner, who was moved into a tail turret in the Mark VII. The Mark X was introduced in late 1924, featuring a duralumin and steel structure covered in fabric, aluminium, and wood. A total of 124 Virginias were built, of which 50 were Mark Xs.[citation needed]
The first squadron of Virginia Mark Is was formed in 1924. Despite mediocre performance, the aircraft served frontline units until 1938, when it was replaced by the newer Wellingtons, Hampdens and Whitleys. Designs such as the Fairey Hendon and Handley Page Heyford both supplemented and replaced the Virginia.
The final almost all-metal Virginia Mark X was the most numerous RAF bomber until the Heyford in 1934. After its technical obsolescence as a bomber, it was used for photography and for parachute training, with jump platforms installed behind the engine nacelles. On 26 June 1940, a committee discussing the need for airborne cannon for use against invading tanks suggested equipping Virginias with the equally antiquated COW 37 mm gun. This was not acted on.
In the 1930s, the Virginias were used in some of the first tests of inflight refueling, although they were never used outside of tests. The Virginia was developed in parallel with the Vickers Victoria freighter and the two aircraft had much in common, sharing the same wing design. The Virginias were highly accident prone, with 81 losses. Despite their obsolescence, Virginias continued to soldier on in support roles with the Parachute Test Flight at Henlow until December 1941.[3]
Data from The British Bomber since 1914 [5]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related development
Related lists
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