Vickers Wellesley

History of Vickers Wellesley

Vickers Wellesley was one of two aircraft submitted by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd to meet Department of Aviation Specification G.4/31 of 1931 requiring a dual-purpose/universal torpedo bomb platform - the second being the Type 253 Biplane The Type 253 biplane was eventually realized as an airworthy prototype, and 150 examples of this type were ordered. Vickers then worked as a private company on the Type 246, which was more suitable for the light bomber role without the permanent requirement.

The first flight took place on June 19, 1935.

Due to the promising design of the Type 246, the order for the Type 253 was reduced and ended with the completion of one example. The Type 246 got even better returns, as the Type 96 started production in March 1937.

The 1935 Department of the Air Force Specification 22/35 was written to meet the Type 246 acquisition.

In April 1937, the first production model, known as the Wellesley Mk I, was delivered to RAF 76th Squadron. By May 1938, a total of 177 aircraft had been delivered.

On November 5, 1938, three specially modified Wellesleys set a world distance record by travelling from Ismailia, Egypt to Darwin, Australia. The Wellesley Mk II differs only in that it has a one-piece canopy that provides a more streamlined shape.

Vickers worked on other related models, including the Type 289 used as an engine test bed, the Type 291 as a "blind flight" model, and the Type 292 for the three aircraft used in the RAF long-range development flight programme mentioned above , Type 294 for its reinforced wing elements and Type 402 test platform.

When Britain declared war on Germany in September 1939, Wellesley still had plenty available, although it was clearly an outdated aircraft. Up to this point, they were mainly based in the Middle East and eventually attacked Italian targets in East Africa.

Their range was of superior quality in terms of bombardment, although as British bombers flew unescorted for most of the war, this front was very vulnerable to Italian biplanes in the theater. Wellesley retained some value during raids and general reconnaissance work that lasted until September 1942.

The line was completely closed in 1944. At least three Wellesley aircraft were sold to the Egyptian government to serve the local air force. Another well-known operator is the South African Air Force.

Despite limited production numbers, Wellesley and her crew were able to provide some useful services at the start of World War II.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes