VICKERS WELLINGTON
(High-altitude bomber variants) - The
Vickers Wellington 1C airframe provided basis for adaptation as a high-altitude
bomber, conforming to Specification B.23/39. Requirement was for a three-man
crew, ability to bomb from 35,000 ft (10,668 m) or above, and to have
an endurance of more than nine hours. Pressurisation was to begin at 15,000
ft (4,572 m), the altitude specified for cruise to and from the target.
Vickers Wellington V: Two prototypes (R3298, R3299) by conversion of Mk 1C airframes,
ordered in May 1939, as Vickers Type 407 with high-altitude Bristol Hercules
VIII engines. Rear turret retained but pressure cell extended into nose,
replacing forward turret, and accommodated rear gunner during high-altitude
portion of flight. First prototype flown September 1940 with 1,400 hp
Hercules Ills (as Type 421); second prototype had 1,650 hp Hercules VIIIs
and smaller 'blister' dome for pilot's head in place of longer canopy
on first prototype. Production batch of 30 Mk Vs ordered to Specification
17/40, in compliance with Operational Requirement OR. 94, to have Hercules
VIII (Type 426) or Hercules 38 (Type 448) engines. One only (W5796) completed
as Mk V; 20 as Mk VI (see below) and nine cancelled.
Vickers Wellington VI: Similar to Mk V, with 1,280 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 engines.
First of production-batch Mk Vs (W5795, Vickers Type 431), completed as
prototype Mk VI and flown in late 1941, followed by 19 more from Mk V
contract and 44 from new production contract (for 100; others cancelled)
placed in 1941. Standard FN20A turret retained, but gunner in pressure
cell at all times, using periscopic sight in underside of fuselage. Basic
type (28 aircraft) as Vickers Wellington VIA (Vickers Type 442), but final 35
were Vickers Wellington VIG (Type 449) without rear turret, and with Oboe blind-bombing
aid. Two Vickers Wellington VIG used operationally by No 109(SD) Sqn, and others
to train crews in use of Oboe. Max speed, 300 mph (483 kmlh). Service
ceiling, 38,500 ft (11,735 m). Range, 2,275 mis (3,661 km) with 15,000-lb
(6,804-kg) bombs. Empty weight, 20,280 Ib (9,200 kg). Gross weight, 30,450
Ib (13,812 kg). Span, 86 ft 2 in (26.26 m). Length, 61 ft 9 in (18.82
m). Wing area, 840 sqft (78.04 m2).
