Vickers Virginia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Virginia

Work on the Virginia was started in 1920, with the aim of developing a
replacement for the Vimy. Two prototypes were ordered on 13 January 1921 and
another two prototypes were ordered in September 1922. The Virginia was similar
to the Vimy, but notably had a lowered front gunner's pulpit to allow the pilot
a greater field of view, 20 ft (6 m) greater wingspan, and a 9 ft (3 m) longer
fuselage. The Virginia was powered by twin Napier Lion engines. The Virginia
flew for the first time on 24 November 1922.

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.

The Marks I–VI had straight wings, whereas the Mark VII introduced swept outer
wings. 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 and featured a duralumin and steel
structure covered in fabric, aluminium, and wood.

A total of 124 Virginias were built, of which 50 were Mark X variants.


Role
Heavy night-bomber

Manufacturer
Vickers Limited

First flight
24 November 1922

Introduction
1924

Retired
1941

Primary user
Royal Air Force

Number built
124

Developed from
Vickers Vimy

The first squadron of Mark I Virginias 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. Newer designs such as
the Fairey Hendon and Handley Page Heyford supplemented rather than replaced the
Virginia.

The final almost all-metal Virginia Mark X was the most numerous RAF bomber
until the ascendance of 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 37 mm (1.46 in) Coventry
Ordnance Works gun. This was not acted on.

In the 1930s, the Virginias were used in some of the first tests of midair
refuelling, although they were never used in this role outside of tests.

The Virginia was developed in parallel with the Vickers Victoria freighter, and
the two aircraft had much in common, notably sharing the same wing design.

The Virginias were highly accident prone, with 81 lost in this manner. Despite
their obsolescence, Virginias continued to soldier on in support roles with the
Parachute Test Flight at Henlow until December 1941.

Specifications (Virginia X)

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 (856 nmi; 1,585 km)
Service ceiling: 13,800 ft (4,200 m)
Time to altitude: 10 min to 5,000 ft (1,500 m)

Armament

Guns: 3 × .303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns
Bombs: 3,000 lb (1,360 kg) of bombs




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