Vickers Type 264 Valentia

Vickers

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1911
Headquarters	United Kingdom

Not to be confused with the flying boat Vickers Valentia.

The Vickers Valentia (company code Type 264) was a British biplane designed as a bomber and transport aircraft, manufactured by Vickers for use by the Royal Air Force. Most of the Valentias were conversions from the earlier Vickers Victoria, which itself originated from the Vickers Virginia.

Design and development

Although the Vickers Victoria equipped with Napier Lion engines performed effectively as a bomber transport for the RAF, by 1932 the Lion engine was becoming outdated and lacked sufficient power. Consequently, it was decided to replace these with more powerful Bristol Pegasus engines. The upgrade process was implemented in two phases: the initial phase, known as the Victoria Mk VI or Configuration I, imposed a restricted maximum weight limit. The subsequent phase, Configuration 2, incorporated a reinforced airframe that allowed full utilisation of the Pegasus engine’s enhanced power. This included structural strengthening of the wings, adoption of strut-braced rather than wire-braced landing gear, installation of wheel brakes, and replacement of the tail skid with a tailwheel. This improved variant was designated the Vickers Valentia Mk I and first took to the air in 1934.

A contract was awarded for 28 newly built Valentias compliant with Specification 30/34, alongside an additional 54 converted from existing Victorias (internally referred to as Type 278), with production extending until 1936.

In 1938, an updated version equipped with Pegasus IIM3 engines—which enhanced performance in 'hot and high' conditions—was delivered to serve with a flight of No. 31 Squadron stationed at Lahore.

Operational history

The Valentia was initially introduced into service in 1934 with No. 70 Squadron RAF stationed at Hinaidi, Iraq, supporting British military operations across India, Persia, and Iraq.

Following the tradition of its predecessors, the Vernon and Victoria aircraft, the Valentia played a significant role in transport missions throughout the Middle East. It was also occasionally adapted for bombing tasks, equipped with bomb racks mounted beneath its wings. In addition, some Valentias were fitted experimentally with loudspeaker systems designed to communicate with populations below during air policing assignments, particularly targeting potentially rebellious tribal groups. The aircraft also served as a platform for pioneering aerial refuelling trials conducted by Alan Cobham.

During 1940, Valentias participated in nocturnal bombing raids over the Western Desert. Assigned to No. 31 Squadron RAF and the RAF Communications Flight Iraq, they were actively involved in the 1941 Siege of RAF Habbaniya and subsequent military operations. These aircraft continued to operate with the Communications Flight Iraq (later renamed Iraq & Persia) until 1944. The South African Air Force also employed a Valentia bomber during the 1940–41 East African Campaign.

Eventually, the Valentia was succeeded in its transport role within the RAF by the introduction of the Bristol Bombay.

Variants

• Valentia Mk I: Designed as a military transport aircraft for use by the RAF.

Operators

India

• Royal Indian Air Force

South Africa

• South African Air Force

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• Royal Air Force
  • No. 31 Squadron RAF
  • No. 70 Squadron RAF
  • No. 216 Squadron RAF
  • Communication Flight Iraq