Design and Development
Work on the Virginia was started in 1920, with the aim of developing a replacement for the Vimy. Two prototypes were ordered on January 13, 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 November 24, 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.
Read more about this topic: Vickers Virginia
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