Vickers Varsity T1 – WJ945
Specification
Technical Specification
- Crew: four
- Armament: 600lb (270 kg) practice bombs in an external pannier
Dimensions
- Length: 67 ft 6 in (20.57 m)
- Wingspan: 95 ft 7 in (29.13 m)
Performance
- Powerplant: 2 × Bristol Hercules 264 14-cylinder radial engines, 1,950 hp
- Performance:
- Maximum speed: 288 mph (463 km/h) at 10,000 feet (3,000 m)
- Range: 2,648 mi (4,262 km)
- Service ceiling: 28,700 ft (8,700 m)
Description
The Varsity’s origins lie in the famous Vickers Wellington. Designed by Barnes Wallis, it was Britain’s most important bomber in the early years of WW2.
The original Vickers Varstiy prototype first flew on 17th July, 1949 resplendent in an overall silver finish with yellow banding on fuselage and wings.
The Varsity was flown by the RAF’s Air Navigator Schools, Advanced Flying School and Bomber Command Bombing School where it trained the crews for the Cold War V-bomber force, serving until 1976. It was also used by the Swedish and Royal Jordanian Air Forces in training, transport and reconnaissance roles.
