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Vickers Virginia

Biplane heavy bomber of the British Royal Air Force From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vickers Virginia
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The Vickers Virginia was a biplane heavy bomber of the British Royal Air Force, developed from the Vickers Vimy.

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Vickers Virginia in flight
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Design and development

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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 resembled the Vimy but notably had a lowered front gunner's position, providing the pilot with a greater field of view, 20 ft (6 m) greater wingspan and a 9 ft (3 m) longer fuselage. It was powered by two Napier Lion engines and flew for the first time on 24 November 1922.[2]

The Virginia prototype underwent type trials at the Aircraft Experimental Establishment at RAF Martlesham Heath. 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 upper wings, but these were later deleted from production aircraft.[3] Marks I–VI had straight wings, with swept outer wings introduced on the Mark VII. Starting with the Mark III, the Virginia had a rear fuselage gunner, who was moved into a tail turret in the Mark VII. The Mark X was introduced in late 1924, with 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]

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Operational history

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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]

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Variants

Type 57 Virginia Mk I
Initial prototype for the RAF, powered by two 450 hp (340 kW) Napier Lion piston engines. One prototype only.
Type 96 Virginia Mk I
The first type 57 Virginia prototype was re-engined with two 650 hp (490 kW) Rolls-Royce Condor piston engines. One prototype only.
Type 115 Virginia Mk VIII
The Type 96 Virginia prototype was fitted with a lengthened fuselage, new forward fuselage and gun positions. One prototype only.
Type 129 Virginia Mk VII
The Type 115 Virginia was converted into the Virginia VII prototype. One prototype only.
Type 76 Virginia Mk II
Second Virginia prototype, powered by two Napier Lion piston engines, fitted with lengthened nose. One built.
Type 79 Virginia Mk III
Twin-engined heavy night bomber biplane for the RAF, powered by two 468 hp (349 kW) Napier Lion II piston engines, equipped with dual controls. Six built.
Type 99 Virginia Mk IV
Twin-engined heavy night-bomber biplane. Similar to the Virginia Mk II, but with additional equipment.
Type 100 Virginia Mk V
Twin-engined heavy night-bomber biplane, equipped with a third (central) rudder in the tail unit. 22 built.
Type 108 Virginia Mk VI
Twin-engined heavy night-bomber biplane. Introduced revisions in wing folding and rigging. 25 built.
Type 112 Virginia Mk VII
Twin-engined heavy night-bomber biplane. Redesigned nose, lengthened rear fuselage and sweepback wings. 11 built and 38 conversions.
Type 128 Virginia Mk IX
Twin-engined heavy night-bomber biplane. Introduced automatic slats, wheel brakes and a tail gunner's position. Eight built and 27 conversions.
Type 139 Virginia Mk X
Twin-engined heavy night-bomber biplane. Incorporated an all-metal structure. 50 built and 53 conversions.

Operators

 United Kingdom
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Specifications (Virginia X)

Data from The British Bomber since 1914 [5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: Four
  • Length: 52 ft 3 in (15.93 m)
  • Wingspan: 87 ft 8 in (26.72 m)
  • Height: 18 ft 2 in (5.54 m)
  • Wing area: 2,178 sq ft (202.3 m2)
  • Empty weight: 9,650 lb (4,377 kg)
  • Gross weight: 17,600 lb (7,983 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Napier Lion VB 12-cylinder water-cooled broad arrow engines, 580 hp (430 kW) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 108 mph (174 km/h, 94 kn) at 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
  • Range: 985 mi (1,585 km, 856 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 13,800 ft (4,200 m)
  • Time to altitude: 10 min to 5,000 ft (1,500 m)

Armament

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See also

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