Vickers Type 651
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defence |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Fate | Merged into British Aircraft Corporation in 1960 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Military and civilian aircraft, including Vickers Valetta |
The Vickers Valetta is a British twin-engine military transport aircraft manufactured by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd. It was derived from the compact civilian airliner, the Vickers VC.1 Viking, featuring an all-metal mid-wing monoplane design equipped with a conventional tailwheel undercarriage.
Development began shortly after the Second World War, driven by the Royal Air Force's (RAF) requirement for a military transport version of the Viking. The aircraft was designed to be highly versatile, capable of swift reconfiguration to serve as a troop carrier, air ambulance, cargo transporter, glider tug, or paratroop platform. To facilitate these roles, the interior fittings were engineered for quick removal and replacement. Key modifications from the Viking included installation of more powerful Bristol Hercules 230 radial engines, reinforcement of the cabin floor, and strengthening of the landing gear.
Following its first flight on 30 June 1947, the Valetta entered RAF service within the subsequent year. It became a principal asset within Transport Command and was actively employed in various British military engagements throughout the 1950s and 1960s, such as during the Suez Crisis, operations in Aden, and the Malayan Emergency. The design was further adapted into several variants, including VIP and multiple training versions. Notably, the Valetta served as the foundation for the Vickers Varsity, a specialized military trainer aircraft.
Background
The Valetta’s development is closely linked to its predecessor, the Vickers VC.1 Viking, a civil airliner itself evolved from the Second World War-era Vickers Wellington medium bomber. During late stages of Viking development, extensive evaluations were conducted by the Royal Air Force (RAF). Interest grew among RAF officials to acquire a dedicated military transport variant to equip RAF Transport Command, aiming to replace numerous aging transport aircraft that had been used during WWII.
This interest prompted the Air Ministry to formalize requirements through Specification C.9/46, specifically targeting Vickers’ design. Aviation historian C. F. Andrews noted that this specification was notably progressive for its time, particularly in mandating rapid role conversion capabilities—including troop transport, air ambulance duties, cargo carriage, glider towing, and deployment of paratroopers and supplies.
Into flight
The initial Valetta prototype, originally constructed as a standard Viking (c/n 158), reached completion in early 1947. On 30 June 1947, this prototype undertook the aircraft type's maiden flight at Brooklands, with Vickers' test pilot Mutt Summers at the controls.
Despite being named after the Maltese capital Valletta, the aircraft’s designation uses only one "l". The Valetta, along with the Viking, served as the foundation for the development of the Varsity. While similar in appearance, the Varsity was marginally larger and featured a tricycle undercarriage configuration. It was also equipped with a distinctive under-fuselage pannier designed to house a bomb-aimer and carry up to 24 practice bombs.
Design
The Vickers Valetta was designed as a twin-engine military transport aircraft. Key modifications from its Viking predecessor included the integration of more powerful engines, reinforcement of the cabin floor, and installation of a large pair of robust double doors on the fuselage side to facilitate cargo loading and unloading. The need for stronger engines arose primarily due to an approximate 2,000 lb increase in maximum takeoff weight compared to the Viking. Powering the Valetta were two Bristol Hercules 230 radial engines, each delivering up to 2,000 hp.
To fulfill its role as a versatile transport platform, the Valetta’s interior was engineered to accommodate military cargoes of various sizes, including bulky items. Its floor was constructed to withstand concentrated loads up to 1,500 lb at any single point and featured multiple anchor points for securing cargo. Many interior components were designed for rapid removal, allowing swift conversion between different mission profiles; these included several seating arrangements, a loading winch, vehicle ramps, floor rollers, equipment for glider towing, auxiliary fuel tanks, and side-wall soundproofing panels. In troop transport configuration, the aircraft could carry up to 34 fully equipped soldiers. The air ambulance setup allowed transport of 20 stretcher patients accompanied by two medical attendants. For paratroop operations, it could accommodate 20 paratroopers plus nine air-droppable supply containers weighing 350 lb each.
Externally, the Valetta featured several provisions for handling diverse payloads. Twin racks mounted beneath the central fuselage supported supply containers. A pyramid-shaped structure on the rear fuselage served as both an attachment and release point for towing gliders. For missions requiring extended range, optional flexible bag tanks could be installed. To manage anticipated heavier payloads and endure rougher landings compared with its predecessor, the aircraft’s undercarriage received substantial reinforcement.
Operational history
The Valetta C.1 was introduced into RAF service in 1948. Its widespread deployment swiftly phased out the wartime Douglas Dakota aircraft within RAF Transport Command, including numerous transport squadrons based throughout the Middle East and Far East regions. The Valetta saw active use in conflict zones, notably conducting multiple parachute operations over Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, it frequently served in a transport role supporting various British military campaigns, such as the Malayan Emergency and operations in Aden.
While most Valettas were produced to the C.1 configuration, several specialized versions were also introduced. The Valetta C.2 functioned as a dedicated VIP transport, maintaining similar performance characteristics but with enhanced range capabilities.
The Valetta T.3 variant was developed specifically as a navigation trainer for use by the RAF College at RAF Cranwell and by No.1 and No.2 Air Navigation Schools. This model was distinguishable from earlier types by multiple astrodomes installed on the upper fuselage surface. Deliveries of 40 T.3 aircraft commenced in August 1951, concluding with WJ487 in September 1952. Subsequently, 18 of these T.3s were converted into the T.4 standard, which incorporated a larger nose housing a radar system designed to train crews in aircraft interception (AI) radar operations.
A number of individual Valettas underwent modifications as part of various experimental projects conducted by Vickers. Different landing gear configurations were tested, although these changes reportedly had minimal impact on ground handling compared to the original setup.
Variants
- Valetta C.1 – designed for transport missions, with 211 units produced
- Valetta C.2 – configured for VIP transport, totaling 11 aircraft built
- Valetta T.3 – utilized as an aircrew trainer, 40 examples manufactured
- Valetta T.4 – modified from the T.3 model, equipped with a nose-mounted radar system
Operators
Accidents and incidents
- On 18 February 1951, an RAF Valetta was compelled to execute a belly landing near Stockholm-Bromma Airport due to engine failure and communication difficulties. The situation was aggravated by airframe icing. Among the 22 passengers and crew, one fatality occurred. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
- On 15 January 1953, Valetta C.1 VX562 collided mid-air with an RAF Lancaster over the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in the deaths of all 19 individuals aboard the Valetta and all seven crew members of the Lancaster.
- On 11 November 1953, VX490 vanished during an air test flight after departing RAF Changi. All seven occupants perished, with the prevailing theory suggesting the aircraft disintegrated in a thunderstorm.
- On 6 January 1954, Valetta T.3 WJ474 crashed near Aldbury, Hertfordshire, shortly after takeoff from RAF Bovingdon under adverse weather conditions. The aircraft was transporting a rugby team; of the 18 people on board, 17 lost their lives and there was one survivor.
- On 21 February 1954, Valetta C.1 WJ494, arriving from Hong Kong, crashed approximately 2.4 km (1.5 mi) from Singapore’s Changi RAF base during a single-engine approach. It was reported that the pilot mistakenly feathered the wrong engine, which led to loss of altitude and collision with trees. The aircraft caught fire, resulting in three fatalities among the twelve occupants.
- On 17 April 1957, Valetta C.1 VW832 crashed at Queria, Jordan, five minutes after departing King Hussein International Airport. The left wing detached after encountering turbulence, causing the loss of all 26 individuals aboard.
- On 22 August 1957, RAF Valetta VX491 'Y' crashed in jungle terrain near Tanjong Malim, Malaya. Three RAF crew members died while four servicemen from 55 Coy RASC AD survived and were rescued. Engine failure is considered a possible cause.
Aircraft on display
- VX573 – Valetta C.2 held in storage at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford located in Cosford, Shropshire.
- VX580 – Valetta C.2 presented as a static exhibit at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Flixton, Suffolk.
- A Valetta T.3 cockpit is exhibited at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in Doncaster. Although definitive identification is lacking, it is believed to be from WJ476.
Specifications (Vickers Valetta C.1)
Notable appearances in media
The Valetta T3 features prominently in a lengthy sequence of the 1957 movie High Flight, where it serves as an airborne navigation classroom at RAF College Cranwell.
See also
Citations
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 38.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Jefford 2001, p. 44.
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 49.
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 51.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Jefford 2001, p. 53.
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 58.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Jefford 2001, p. 60.
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 71.
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 74.
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 77.
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 102.
- ↑ Jefford 2001, p. 105.
- ↑ Sturtivant & Hamlin 2007, p. 227.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Sturtivant & Hamlin 2007, p. 49.
- ↑ Sturtivant & Hamlin 2007, p. 197.
- ↑ Sturtivant & Hamlin 2007, p. 208.
Bibliography
- Andrews, C.F. Vickers Aircraft Since 1908. London: Putnam, 1969.
- Andrews, C.F. and E.B. Morgan. Vickers Aircraft since 1908. London: Putnam, 1988. ISBN 0-85177-815-1.
- Bridgman, Leonard. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1951–52. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd, 1951.
- Jefford, C. G. (2001). RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912 (2nd ed.). Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.
- Martin, Bernard. The Viking, Valetta and Varsity. Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. 1975. ISBN 0-85130-038-3.
- Sturtivant, Ray; Hamlin, John (2007). Royal Air Force flying training and support units since 1912. Tonbridge, UK: Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 978-0851-3036-59.
- Thetford, Owen. Aircraft of the Royal Air Force 1918-57. London: Putnam, 1st edition, 1957.
External links
- Newest RAF Transport Flight 1947
Template:Vickers aircraft Template:ADF aircraft designations