Vickers Wellesley
Страна: Великобритания
Год: 1935


Двухместный средний бомбардировщик
Описание:
Wellesley
Vickers Type 246 Wellesley
Фотографии:

Ч/б фото (106)

Wellesley

Дальний бомбардировщик, одномоторный цельнометаллический моноплан (с геодетическим каркасом и полотняной обтяжкой) с убирающимся шасси с хвостовым колесом. Экипаж 3 человека. Создан в КБ фирмы "Виккерс авиэйшн" под руководством Б. Уоллиса. Опытный самолет "тип 246" совершил свой первый полет 19 июня 1935 г. Серийное производство на заводе "Виккерс" в Бруклендсе начато в январе 1937 г. Изготовлено 176 экз.
Мотор "Пегасус" XX. Вооружение 2x7,69 (в полевых условиях доводилось до 3x7,69), бомбы до 910 кг в подкрыльных контейнерах.
Состоял на вооружении в Великобритании с апреля 1937 г.
Строились два основных варианта:
   - "Уэллсли" I (тип 287);
   - "Уэллсли" I (тип 294) с усиленным крылом.
С июня 1940 г. до ноября 1941 г. применялся из Судана и Адена против итальянцев в Эфиопии. До сентября 1942 г. служил как патрульный самолет на Красном море. "Уэллсли" сняли с производства в марте 1938 г., с вооружения - в конце 1942 г.


"Уэллсли" I||
Размах:||22,55 м
Длина:||11,92 м
Мотор, количество х мощность:||1x925 л.с.
Взлетная масса, максимальная:||5039 кг
Максимальная скорость:||364 км/ч
Практический потолок:||9500 м
Дальность:||2460 км

Vickers Type 246 Wellesley

В 1933 году «Vickers» приступила к изготовлению прототипа торпедоносца-бомбардировщика общего назначения - под требования Министерства авиации № G.4/31. Одновременно компания в инициативном порядке и построила альтернативный вариант - моноплан геодезической конструкции из легких сплавов, предложенной Барнсом Уоллисом. В процессе испытаний, проводимых британскими ВВС, выяснилось, что моноплан Type 246 по своим характеристикам значительно превосходит биплан Type 253, поэтому в сентябре 1935 года был сделан заказ на 96 монопланов, получивших обозначение Type 281 Wellesley. Первыми в апреле 1937 года самолеты получила 76-я эскадрилья британских ВВС. Наибольшую известность Wellesley получил в 1938 году, когда два из трех самолетов Type 292, использовавшихся звеном отработки полетов на большую дальность (Long-Range Development Flight) и оснащенных двигателями Pegasus XXII, совершили под руководством сквадрон-лидера Р. Келлета беспосадочный перелет из Исмаилии (Египет) в Дарвин (Австралия). Общая протяженность составила 11 520,4 км - был установлен абсолютный мировой рекорд дальности полета, который продержался до 1945 года.
   В мае 1938 года серийное производство Type 287 Wellesley Mk I было прекращено; всего было выпущено 176 самолетов. На начало Второй мировой войны на вооружении британских ВВС на Ближнем Востоке оставалось около 100 единиц Wellesley. Они использовались против итальянских войск, а морское патрулирование выполняли до 1941 года.
   В семействе Wellesley также имелись: самолет Type 289 - летная лаборатория, на котором отрабатывался звездообразный двигатель Hercules HE15; Type 291 для полетов по приборам; Type 294 с усиленным крылом и экспериментальный трехместный самолет Type 402.


ТАКТИКО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Vickers Wellesley Mk I

   Тип: двухместный средний бомбардировщик
   Силовая установка: один звездообразный ПД Bristol Pegasus XX мощностью 925 л. с. (690 кВт)
   Летные характеристики: максимальная скорость на высоте 6005 м - 367 км/ч; практический потолок 10060 м; дальность полета с максимальной нагрузкой 1786 км
   Масса: пустого 2889 кг; максимальная взлетная 5035 кг
   Размеры: размах крыла 22,73 м; длина 11,96 м; высота 3,76 м; площадь крыла 58,53 м2
   Вооружение: один стреляющий вперед 7,7-мм пулемет Vickers и один пулемет Vickers «K» в задней установке, плюс до 907 кг бомб
The Type 246, Vickers' private venture to G.4/31, in its original form as completed in the early summer of 1935. This aircraft subsequently became the Type 281.
HIGH ASPECT RATIO is but one of the numerous outstanding features to be found in the new Vickers Wellesley medium bomber which has been ordered in quantity for the R.A.F. This machine made its first public appearance at the S.B.A.C. Display this year. The engine in the prototype is a Bristol Pegasus III 690/750 h.p. radial, but the production machines, it is now stated, will have a new type of Pegasus designated the Mk.XVIII. With full load the machine weighs about 10,000 lb.
The new medium bomber Vickers Wellesley (Bristol Pegasus XVIII) is a remarkable example of the manner in which geodetic construction makes possible a high aspect ratio coupled with low structure weight.
The Vickers monoplane bomber (Bristol "Pegasus") has a special type of construction in which curved diagonal members play an important part.
The retractable undercarriage of the Vickers monoplane was not completed in time to show it in its finished state.
Both G4/31 interpretations performing at the Hendon Air Pageant, 1935. The G4/31 biplane (wearing the ‘New Types Park’ number 6) follows the monoplane PVO-9 ‘4‘.
The prototype B22/45 Wellesley, K7556, differed considerably from the private venture monoplane
The prototype Wellesley, after modification as the Type 281 and application of the serial K7556.
The pre-production Vickers Wellesley K7556 in which Quill did a great deal of test work. The picture was taken at Martlesham Heath where the aircraft arrived for official trials during March 1936.
K5054 был впервые показан 300 приглашенным гостям 18 июня 1936 года на демонстрации самолетов фирмы "Vickers" в Истли, На снимке: K4049 - прототип бомбардировщика В.9/32 (позднее служившего под именем Wellington); K7556 - предсерийный бомбардировщик Wellesley и K5780 - девятая серийная амфибия Walrus. В 1938 году "Supermarine Aviation Works (Vickers) Ltd" и ее головная компания "Vickers (Aviation) Ltd of Weybridge" объединились в фирму "Vickers-Armstrong Limited".
Supermarine Spitfire prototype on view to the public in 1936 alongside a Walrus, the prototype Wellesley and prototype Wellington.
The Vickers "Wellesley" medium bomber (Pegasus XVIII), in which the famous geodetic construction system is employed, is another type for which a considerable order has been placed.
The Wellesley with Bristol Pegasus engine and is of "geodetic" construction.
MARTLESHAM'S GREAT DAY: It must have been extremely gratifying to Martlesham that the King should show such interest in the work of the station and in some of the very latest military machines now on test there. In this view, His Majesty, after inspecting the Vickers Wellesley, is passing to the next machine in the line-up,
The fourth production Wellesley (K7716), one of the eight completed to Type 287 standard
The 17th production Wellesley (K7729).
"Уэллсли" из 14-й эскадрильи взлетает с полевого аэродрома Кассала в Судане.
Wellesley K7721 of the first production batch spent a period with the RAE before being issued to 148 Squadron. No 76 Squadron was the first unit to receive the type into service, the first aircraft arriving at Finningley in April 1937.
LONG-RANGE ARTILLERY: The Vickers Wellesley, thanks to the merits of geodetic construction, can destroy targets at an abnormal distance from its base.
Шестой серийный "Уэллсли" I, 1937г.
The Allied assault force on Russian oilfields would have included a squadron of Wellesleys, on photo, and four squadrons of Bristol Blenheim IVs.
The Vickers Wellesley, intended for general purpose work and long-range bombing operations. The engine is a Pegasus.
The Vickers "Wellesley" Long-range Bomber Monoplane (Bristol "Pegasus" engine).
Wellesley L2673 of 223 Sqn over Mount Kenya, East Africa, c.1938-40. L2673 subsequently passed to 47 Sqn and the Communications Flight at Khartoum before finally being struck off RAF charge in October 1943.
Production Wellesley I L2645 was delivered to 14 Squadron in early 1938.
Great aerodynamic and structural efficiency, due to the system of geodetic construction employed, makes the Vickers Wellesley a most formidable long-range bomber. Pegasus X, XVII and XX engines have been specified.
The Vickers "Wellesley" Long-range Bomber Monoplane. Note the streamline bomb-containers beneath the wings.
Wellesley K7726 served with Nos 76, 47 and 148 Squadrons before being struck off RAF charge in July 1944.
A POTENTIAL CHAMPION: A Vickers Wellesley medium bomber (Pegasus XX) complete with streamline bomb-carriers below its wings. It is possible that a specially prepared Wellesley may try for the world's long-distance record.
"Уэллсли" I, оснащенный противопыльным фильтром, Восточная Африка, 1941 г.
Capable of flying for very long distances at a high cruising speed, the Vickers Wellesley has been adopted for general purpose and bombing duties.
Дальний бомбардировщик "Уэллсли". На эти машины англичане возлагали большие надежды в начале восточно-африканской кампании.
This picture give some idea of the massive span of the Wellesley's wing.
"Wellesley" ("Bristol" Pegasus Engine) VICKERS "GEODETIC" CONSTRUCTION
Vickers Wellesley
VICKERS WELLESLEY: Bomber (Pegasus XX engine - 925 h.p, at 10,000ft.); span, 74ft. 7in.; gross weight, 12,500 lb.; max. speed, 220 m.p.h. (approx.) at 10,000ft.
A Wellesley (K7775 KU-N) of No 47 Squadron, which had received its aircraft from No 45 Squadron in the Middle East and began its, war at Khartoum, then moving to Erkowit and flying its first bombing mission on 11 June 1940.
«Уэлсли» стал первым бомбардировщиком «Виккерс» с «геодезической» конструкцией
Wellesley "B” of 223 Squadron flying over the home-made air-firing target set into the side of a hill. Despite the author's wager no air gunner ever succeeded in getting more than five rounds (out of a pan of 97) on the 25ft square target.
The pilot's view from a Wellesley, looking along the port wing and with the pitot head for the airspeed indicator out at the tip. Of interest is the way that the fabric on the upper surface of the wing has been sucked upwards, thus showing the outline of the geodetic construction on each side of the main spar.
Vickers "Wellesleys" (Bristol "Pegasus") in flight formation over their home aerodrome at Finningley. No 76 (B) Squadron was the first to be armed with this machine. "Wellesleys" are used by the Long Range Development Flight.
К началу Второй мировой войны Wellesley уже существенно устарел, однако самолеты все же активно применялись в боевых действиях на Ближнем Востоке и в Африке. Данные Wellesley Mk I запечатлены над Египтом.
Английские дальние бомбардировщики Виккерс "Уэллсли" над пирамидами Египта. Эти машины могли быть задействованы в бомбардировке кавказских нефтепромыслов.
The Wellesleys of No. 76 in “open order.” The appendages beneath the wings, which might puzzle the uninitiated, are bomb containers.
A formation of 76(B) Squadron Wellesleys up from RAF Finningley in February 1938. No 76 Squadron was the first unit to receive the Wellesley into service, at Finningley in April 1937, and the type was still on strength at the outbreak of war.
A Formation of Vickers "Wellesley" Bombers flying over the desert in Egypt.
Vickers Wellesleys over Egypt in 1940.
DESERT FORMATION: No. 45 (B.) Squadron, the first in the Middle East to be equipped with Vickers Wellesleys, are stationed at Helwan, Egypt. The specially prepared long-range Wellesleys may soon be in Egypt, and Ismailia has been named as a possible take-off point for Australia.
A fly-past at Mildenhall, for the benefit of the guests, by a squadron of Vickers Wellesleys with their external "egg-boxes."
No. 76 (B) Squadron was the first to have the Vickers Wellesley medium bomber.
Vickers Wellesley Is.
Looking, in a way, unfamiliar with undercarriages extended - the Wellesleys taking off from Finningley.
Vickers Wellesley single-engined bombers (Pegasus XX). The Wellesley, although a "general purpose" type, equips the Long-Range Development Flight.
Wellesleys of 76 Squadron lined up in readiness for the 1938 RAF display at Hendon. Nearest are K7722 and K7725.
ASPECT RATIO: Vickers Wellesleys of a unit which demonstrated before our German guests at Mildenhall.
This photograph, taken at Hendon before the last R.A.F. display, is a history of production in itself, for the types shown range from the Virginia to modern Expansion bombers.
VICKERS WELLESLEY medium bombers, complete with bomb carriers, awaiting the arrival of Service pilots to ferry them to depots or squadrons
Пилот в кабине "Уэллсли" перед вылетом на боевое задание.
The intrepid Flt Cdr of “A "Flight, 223 Squadron, about to go flying in his favourite mount, Wellesley AO-A.
A 47 Squadron Wellesley being serviced for its next sortie. Note the four-gallon Shell tins, that leaked so badly, and the bombs lying carelessly on the ground.
GEOGRAPHY AND GEODETICS: Vickers aircraft (on the marine side, at all events) are well known to men of the Royal Australian Air Force, so it was with keen interest that this Coronation contingent inspected the Weybridge works last week. They are seen in front of a Wellesley.
Pilots of No. 76 (B) Squadron. Left to right (front row): P/O. J. S. Sherwood, P/O. J. T. B. Sadler, Sgt. S. W. Jenkins, P O. W. D. Corr, P/O. J. E. Riepenhausen, P/O. J. M. Warren, Flt. Lt. Isemonger, Sqn. Ldr. L. E. J. George (Commanding Officer), F/O. L. R. Stewart, P/O. P. H. Rebbeck, P/O. F. L. Chadwick, P/O. J. N. Culverwell, P/O. C. A. Baskett. Back row: Flt. Sgt. E. G. Couch, P/O. G. K. Pea­cock, P/O. B. P. Jones.
"Уэллсли" из 47-й эскадрильи на аэродроме Белайя, февраль 1941г.
An aerial camera being taken aboard Wellesley K8530 of B Flight, 35 Squadron, at RAF Worthy Down. The port underwing bomb container is just visible.
Wellesley L2714 of 223 Squadron at Khartoum, 1940.
Flt Lt “Digger” Magill returns from a sortie against the Italian ground forces in the Gallabat-Metemina area. Sundry Army, RAF and Sudan Government officers get a first-hand account of the progress in the battle.
A Wellesley (L2645), originally delivered to No 14 Squadron, photographed in 1942 at St Jean, Palestine.
At the Summit landing ground in 1940. Sqn Ldr R. T. Taaffe (officer commanding 223 Squadron) with his back to the camera, talks to a visitor who has arrived in Anson I L9145 from Khartoum. A 47 Squadron Wellesley can be seen in the background.
One of the Wellesleys (L2637) assigned to the LRDU. This particular machine was the back-up aircraft and did not participate in the Unit's long-distance flights.
These photographs show the arrival of Wellesleys L2638 and L2680 at Ismailia from Upper Heyford, prior to the take-off on the long-distance record attempt to Darwin, Australia, on 5th to 7th November 1938. After service three machines (L2639) set off at 0555 local time (0355 G.M.T.) piloted by S/Ldr. Kellett. F/Lt. Hogan and F/Lt. Coobine. Photo: L2638.
L2680 after the bomb panniers had been fitted at Laverton, Victoria.
A Rotol constant-speed airscrew, hydraulic type, on the Bristol Pegasus XXII of a Vickers Wellesley.
A side view of one of the long-range Wellesleys showing that the fuselage is comparatively short in relation to the wing span. The special cowling and fairing arrangements may be noted.
L2639 probably at RAAF Richmond, NSW.
L2639 with panniers fitted. This view gives a good idea of the size of the aircraft.
Refuelling L2638 on a country airstrip.
These photographs show the arrival of Wellesleys L2638 and L2680 at Ismailia from Upper Heyford, prior to the take-off on the long-distance record attempt to Darwin, Australia, on 5th to 7th November 1938. After service three machines (L2639) set off at 0555 local time (0355 G.M.T.) piloted by S/Ldr. Kellett. F/Lt. Hogan and F/Lt. Coobine. Photo: L2680
The unusual single-engined Vickers Wellesley, incorporating extremely high-aspect-ratio wings, entered RAF service with No 76 Sqn in April 1937. Capable of carrying a bomb-load of 2,000lb (910kg), the type served with ten squadrons at home and overseas, including No 148 Sqn, with which this example, K7717, served during 1937.
Wellesley K7717 was a trial aircraft for the Long Range Development Flight. This, the fifth production aircraft, initially flew with 45(B) Squadron in Egypt, powered with a Pegasus XVIII, and later flew as a testbed for the Pegasus XXII. It was struck off RAF charge in May 1938.
LONG-RANGE MODS: If everything goes according to plan the Long-Range Development Flight of the R.A.F. should now be on their way to Australia with four Vickers Wellesleys. This view (actually of a machine loaned by the Air Ministry to the Bristol Company for engine tests) shows how the long-range type differs from the standard model. It will be seen that the Pegasus XXII engine is more carefully faired.
The fifth production Wellesley (K7717) utilised as a trials aircraft for the Long Range Development Unit after brief service with No 148 Squadron. Note NACA-type cowling and new front fuselage fairing.
Two Vickers Wellesleys over the Australian countryside.
RECORD BREAKERS IN TRIPLICATE: The three Vickers Wellesley monoplanes (special Bristol Pegasus XXII) of the Long Range Development Flight which have added so much lustre to the name of the R.A.F. as a record-breaking service by eclipsing the world’s long-distance record.
THE LONG-RANGE WELLESLEYS at Ismailia before their record flight.
Ministering to the Pegasus in the experimental Wellesley at Filton. The clean design of the Rotol airscrew is apparent.
The Rotol Constant Speed Airscrews fitted io the three Vickers "Wellesley" machines for the record-breaking long-range flight incorporated airscrew blade forgings in MAGNUMINIUM Magnesium Base Alloy By HIGH DUTY ALLOYS LTD., SLOUGH
5-7 ноября 1938г.: два бомбардировщика Vickers Wellesley британских ВВС, пилотируемые сквадрон-лидером Р. Келлеттом и флайт-лейтенантом Э. Комбом, установили мировой рекорд дальности, пролетев 11520 км из Исмаилии (Египет) до аэропорта Росс-Смит (Австралия).
The personnel of the Long-Range Development Unit: (Standing, left to right), Sgt. J. H. Houghton, Flt. Lt. G. T. Gething,* Pilot Officer M. L. Gaine,* Sgt. H. B. Gray,* Sgt. T. D. Dixon,* Flt. Lt. B. K. Burnett,* Flt. Lt. R. G. Musson,* Flt. Lt. A. T. D. Sanders. (Sitting, left to right), Flt. Lt. A. N. Combe,* Sqn. Ldr. R. Kellett* (Flight Leader), Wing Cdr. O. R. Gayford, D.F.C., A.F.C. (Officer Commanding Long-Range Development Unit), Flt. Lt. H. A. V. Hogan,* Flt. Lt. P. H. Dunn. Asterisks denote those who took part in the actual flight.
This early production Wellesley (K7772) was set aside for use as a testbed for the Bristol Hercules HE.1S sleeve-valve engine. This aircraft subsequently played a major role in the flight development of the Hercules which was to take a noteworthy part in World War II, this engine eventually being applied to the Wellington, development of which had run parallel with Wellesley production.
THE LONG-RANGE WELLESLEY: H.M. the King, during his tour of aircraft factories last week, was shown the long-range Wellesley in the Vickers works. It will be seen that the nose of the machine has been modified as compared with that of the standard Wellesley.
At Brooklands: The King took particular interest in the Wellesley, which will be the research machine for the new R.A.F. Long-distance Flight. He is seen with Mr. T. C. L. Westbrook and (right) Mr. Rex Pierson.
General Milch, at Mildenhall, watches a demonstration by a gunner in the rear cockpit of a Wellesley.
The Air Minister is seen under the imposing nose of a Wellington, with a Wellesley in the background. On the left is Sir Robert McLean, chairman of Vickers Aviation Ltd.
The King inspects machines of the Bomber Group. Above him towers the nose of a Harrow, and behind can be distinguished a Whitley, Wellesley and Blenheim.
A last look at peacetime Croydon from the airport buildings. War clouds loom - note the two RAF Wellesleys parked just in front of the distant hangars.