Today In History:  13 August  [1939]   --  First flight of the Vickers Warwick

846 examples of the Vickers Warwick would eventually be built and operated by the RAF, SAAF, Polish Air Force (in exile) and BOAC. The Warwick was designed to serve as a larger counterpart to the Vickers Wellington bomber. The two aircraft share similar construction and design principles but unlike the smaller Wellington bomber, development of the Warwick was delayed by a lack of suitable high-powered engines.  Only 16 aircraft were delivered as bombers, as by this time more capable four-engined heavy bombers were in service. It soon became clear that the Warwick, with its spacious fuselage and long range, would be well suited to utility roles such as transport and air-sea rescue.

PHOTO: Air-sea rescue Warwick with an airborne lifeboat under the fuselage

See the Historical Aviation Film Unit website at http://www.aviationfilm.com to get a new history tidbit every day.


Photo Attribution:  Public Domain  via Wikimedia.