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Vickers VC.1 Viking

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Vickers-Armstrongs Limited
Company typePrivate company
IndustryAerospace, Defence
Headquarters
Weybridge
,
United Kingdom
ProductsVickers VC.1 Viking, Vickers Wellington, Vickers Valetta, Vickers Varsity


This article is about the postwar airliner. For the earlier single-engine amphibious model, see Vickers Viking.

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The Vickers VC.1 Viking was a British short-distance airliner powered by two piston engines, developed from the Vickers Wellington bomber and manufactured by Vickers-Armstrongs Limited at their Brooklands facility near Weybridge in Surrey. Following the conclusion of the Second World War, the Viking played a significant role in British commercial aviation, serving as an interim solution until turboprop airliners such as the Vickers Viscount became available. A unique test aircraft was outfitted with Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engines and made its maiden flight in 1948, marking it as the first all-jet transport aircraft globally. Its military derivatives included the Vickers Valetta and Vickers Varsity models.

Design and development

The Ministry of Aircraft Production commissioned three prototype aircraft under Air Ministry Specification 17/44 from Vickers-Armstrongs Limited, initially designated as Wellington Transport Aircraft. This specification addressed a peacetime need for a short to medium-range passenger plane to bridge the gap before more advanced designs from the Brabazon Committee, such as the Airspeed Ambassador and Armstrong Whitworth Apollo, could be introduced.[1] [2] To expedite development, the Viking incorporated wings and landing gear adapted from the Vickers Wellington, while featuring an entirely new fuselage.[3][4] Although initially referred to as a Wellington Transport Aircraft, the completed model was ultimately named Viking.[1]

The initial prototype, known as Type 491 and registered G-AGOK, was constructed by Vickers' Experimental Department at their wartime Foxwarren dispersal site. It undertook its first flight with pilot 'Mutt' Summers at Wisley Airfield on 22 June 1945.[5] This prototype suffered a double engine failure leading to a crash on 23 April 1946,[3] though fortunately no casualties resulted.[6] After successful evaluation of all three prototypes, an order for fifty production aircraft was placed by the Ministry of Aircraft Production.[3][7] The first aircraft delivered to BOAC flew on 23 March 1946. Subsequently, these prototypes were utilized for Royal Air Force trials, which led to military orders for variants such as the Viking C2 (12 units ordered for freight/transport roles) and the modified Valetta C1.

File:Vickers Nene Viking G-AJPH.jpg
The jet-powered Vickers Nene Viking registered G-AJPH

The initial nineteen production units—later identified as Viking 1A—were equipped with metal fuselages but retained fabric-covered geodetic wings and tail surfaces except for the wing sections inside the engine nacelles. These versions accommodated twenty-one passengers. Based on operator feedback, the subsequent fourteen aircraft, designated Viking 1, featured stressed-metal construction for both wings and tail assemblies. The next iteration, called Viking 1B, extended the fuselage by twenty-eight inches (71 cm), increasing passenger capacity to twenty-four and incorporating upgraded Bristol Hercules piston engines; this model saw a production total of one hundred fifteen units. One aircraft from this batch was modified during assembly to be powered by two Rolls-Royce Nene turbojets, achieving its inaugural flight on 6 April 1948.

On July 25, 1948—coinciding with the thirty-ninth anniversary of Louis Blériot's English Channel crossing—the Type 618 Nene-Viking completed a morning flight from Heathrow to Paris (landing at Villacoublay) carrying mail addressed to Blériot's widow and son, who was secretary of the FAI; they greeted the aircraft upon arrival. Covering a distance of 222 miles (357 km), this journey lasted just thirty-four minutes. The aircraft returned to London later that same day. It reached a peak speed of 415 mph (668 km/h) at an altitude of 12,000 ft (3,700 m) and maintained an average speed of 394 mph (634 km/h).[8] In 1954, Eagle Aviation purchased this jet-powered Viking from the Ministry of Supply and converted it extensively by installing Hercules 634 piston engines before integrating it into their fleet.[9]

Production ceased in 1948 after delivering sixteen units to the Royal Air Force—including four assigned to the King's Flight,[10] but in 1952 British European Airways reconfigured some Vikings to carry thirty-eight passengers, raising maximum payload capacity from 5,500 to 7,200 lb (2,500 to 3,300 kg). All Vikings were equipped with tailwheel-type landing gear.

The fifty-eighth Viking (construction number 158) served as the prototype for the military-oriented Vickers Valetta, which saw a production run of two hundred sixty-two units for RAF service. When manufacturing of this reinforced but outwardly similar type concluded in 1952, a trainer variant featuring tricycle landing gear—the Vickers Varsity—had already been introduced to RAF service.[11] All but one Varsity entered service with the RAF; a single example was delivered to the Swedish Air Force. Production of one hundred sixty-one Varsities continued at Hurn until January of 1954, with many remaining operational over an extended period. Six are preserved today in museums including Brooklands Museum,[12] and Newark Air Museum.[13]

Operational history

File:BEA Viking 1B at Manchester.jpg
BEA Vickers Viking 1B G-AHPO "Venturer" at Manchester Airport in 1952

The maiden flight of the first Viking took place on 22 June 1945 at Vickers' test airfield in Wisley, Surrey, piloted by chief test pilot Joseph "Mutt" Summers. The third unit produced was handed over to BOAC at Hurn, near Bournemouth, on 20 April 1946. Following the delivery of nine Vikings to BOAC for evaluation purposes—including the two remaining prototypes—British European Airways (BEA) was founded on 1 August 1946 to operate European air services. The initial VC.1 Vikings were subsequently transferred to this newly created airline.

After conducting a test flight from Northolt to Oslo on 20 August 1946, BEA launched its first scheduled Viking service between Northolt and Copenhagen Airport on 1 September 1946.

A total of 163 Vikings were manufactured. The designation "VC" represented Vickers Commercial, continuing the tradition established by the earlier Vimy Commercial from 1919. Vickers eventually discontinued the 'VC' prefix, adopting type numbers in the 49x and 600 series to identify specific customer airlines.

File:Viking 1B VK500 Arab Legion Air Force BLA 04.55.jpg
Viking 1B of the Arab Legion Air Force (Jordan) at Blackbushe Airport, Hants, in April 1955

BEA operated an extensive Viking fleet across numerous major European and UK routes for eight years. Starting in 1951, the remaining aircraft were refitted to accommodate 36 seats instead of the original 27 and rebranded as the "Admiral Class". BEA continued using the Viking until late 1954, when it was gradually replaced by newer pressurized models such as the Airspeed Ambassador and Vickers Viscount.

The airline sold its Vikings to various independent British carriers expanding their scheduled and charter services. Some units also found new operators elsewhere in Europe. One former BEA Viking 1B was converted into a VIP transport for the Arab Legion Air Force, primarily serving the King of Jordan. By the mid-1960s, most Vikings had been withdrawn from active service. Today, only six remain worldwide, with two undergoing extensive restoration projects in the UK.

Variants

Viking
Three prototypes equipped with two Bristol Hercules 130 engines producing 1,675 hp (1,250 kW) each.
Viking 1A
The initial production model featuring geodetic wings and powered by two Bristol Hercules 630 engines rated at 1,690 hp (1,261 kW).
Viking 1
Standard production variant with stressed skin wings and two Bristol Hercules 634 engines delivering 1,690 hp (1,261 kW).
Viking 1B
A version of the Viking 1 distinguished by a lengthened nose; a total of 113 units were built.
Nene Viking
A single Viking 1B modified to test two Rolls-Royce Nene I turbojet engines producing 5,000 lbf (22.3 kN) thrust each.
Viking C2
The British military designation for the Viking 1 used as a VIP transport aircraft by the King's Flight of the RAF.
Valetta C1 & C2
A derivative with reinforced flooring and a large cargo door for freight operations.
Varsity T1
A significantly reworked Valetta featuring tricycle landing gear designed for navigation and crew training purposes.

Type numbers

Type 491
Initial prototype[14]
Type 495
Second prototype model[14]
Type 496
Third prototype variant[14]
Type 498
Viking 1A designated for British European Airways.[14] Subsequently, three units delivered to the Argentine Air Force.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Type 604
Viking 1B configured for Indian National Airways, equipped with two Hercules 634 engines.[14][15]
Type 607
Prototype Valetta for the Ministry of Supply featuring two Hercules 230 engines.[15]
Type 610
Viking 1B model operated by British European Airways.[14]
Type 613
Proposed fuel transport version that was never constructed.
Type 614
Viking 1 produced for British European Airways.[14]
Type 615
Viking 1 built for the Argentine government with two Hercules 634 engines.[15]
Type 616
Viking 1 assigned to Central African Airways.
Type 618
Nene powered Viking developed for the Ministry of Supply.[14]
Type 620
Viking 1 supplied to the Argentine government, fitted with two Hercules 630 engines.[14][15]
Type 621
Viking C2 variant for the Royal Air Force equipped with two Hercules 130 engines.[14][15]
Type 623
Viking C2 ordered by the Royal Air Force featuring two Hercules 134 engines. Two aircraft procured for the King's Flight to support a royal tour in South Africa—one intended for the King and another for the Queen.[16][17]
Type 624
Royal Air Force Viking C2 with two Hercules 134 engines. One unit commissioned for the King's Flight to accommodate state officials during a South African royal tour in a configuration seating twenty-one passengers.[16]
Type 626
Viking C2 model operated by the Royal Air Force with two Hercules 134 engines. One aircraft designated for the King's Flight as a mobile workshop during the South African royal tour.[16]
Type 627
Viking 1B delivered to Airwork Limited.[14]
Type 628
Viking 1B assigned to DDL, powered by two Hercules 634 engines.[14][15]
Type 631
A planned thirty-four-seat version that remained unbuilt.[14]
Type 632
Viking 1B supplied to Air India with two Hercules 634 engines.[14][15]
Type 634
Viking 1B manufactured for Aer Lingus featuring two Hercules 634 engines.[14][15]
Type 635
Viking 1B model utilized by South African Airways with two Hercules 634 engines.[14][15]
Type 636
A Viking 1B demonstrator aircraft.[14]
Type 637
Valetta C1 version crafted for the Royal Air Force equipped with two Hercules 230 engines.[15]
Type 639
Viking 1 designated for Hunting Air Transport.[14][15]
Type 641
Viking 1 operated by Suidair International.
Type 643
Suidair International’s Viking 1 fitted with two Hercules 630 engines.[14][15]
Type 644
Viking 1B produced for Iraqi Airways.[14][15]
Type 649
Viking 1B supplied to Pakistan Air Force featuring two Hercules 634 engines.[14][18]
Type 651
Valetta C1 variant commissioned by the Royal Air Force with two Hercules 634 engines.[18]
Type 657
Conversions of Type 498 into Viking 1A models for BSAAC operations.[18]

Civil operators

File:Vickers Viking Aero-Transport 1958.jpg
Vickers Viking 1 operated by Aero-Transport (Austria) in 1958
Template:ARG
Template:AUT
  • Aero Transport
Template:BEL
Template:DEN
Template:EGY
Template:FRA
  1. REDIRECT Template:DEU
Template:IND
Template:IRQ
Template:IRL
Template:KUW
Template:MEX
  • Bernado Pasquelle
  • Government of Mexico
Template:POR (Portuguese India)
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File:Flag of South Africa (1928–1982).svg South Africa
File:CAA Vickers Viking at Heathrow.jpg
Central African Airways Vickers Viking at London Heathrow, May 1953
Template:Country data Southern Rhodesia
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Template:TRI
File:Vickers Viking G-APOP Channel Ringway 25.07.64 edited-2.jpg
Viking C.2 of Channel Airways at Manchester Ringway, 25 July 1964
File:Vickers Viking 1B G-AIVO Eagle Aws Ringway 07.59 edited-2.jpg
Viking 1B operated by Eagle Airways at Manchester Ringway, July 1959
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Military users

Template:ARG
  • Argentine Air Force - Operated 30 units.[19] One aircraft (T-64, formerly LV-XFM) served as the presidential transport from 1948 until 1952.[20]
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Template:JOR
Template:PAK
Template:UK

Accidents and incidents

Main article: List of accidents and incidents involving the Vickers VC.1 Viking

Out of the total 163 produced aircraft, 56 were lost due to accidents. Below are some significant incidents:

Aircraft on exhibit

File:T-9 Vickers Viking Fuerza Aerea Argentina (7313012018).jpg
T-9, formerly of the Argentine Air Force, displayed at the Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica de Argentina
File:VickersViking-G-AGRU.jpg
G-AGRU undergoing restoration at the Brooklands Museum in 2009

Out of the 163 Vickers Vikings manufactured, just six remain today. Five of these aircraft are preserved in museums worldwide, while another was stored at an airfield near Vienna, Austria, until it was dismantled in late April 2023. This particular airframe was acquired by the Blackbushe Heritage Trust and is scheduled to return to the United Kingdom in early May for restoration and subsequent exhibition at Blackbushe Airport in Surrey.

Argentina
Pakistan
Switzerland
  • G-AIVG – Viking 1B currently undergoing restoration for static display by the Vintage Aircraft Club at EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg near Basel. This aircraft crashed at Le Bourget Airport on 12 August 1958. It incorporates landing gear and other components salvaged from Vickers Valetta VX577, which was destroyed by fire on 24 January 1997.
South Africa
United Kingdom
  • G-AGRU – Viking 1A undergoing extensive long-term restoration while exhibited outdoors at the Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey.
  • G-AGRW – Viking 1A delivered by the Blackbushe Heritage Trust to Blackbushe Airport, Hampshire, on 2 May 2023 after prolonged outdoor storage at Bad Vöslau airfield, Austria. It will undergo major restoration at this site, a former maintenance base for Viking aircraft.

Specifications (Viking 1B)

File:Vickers Viking 1B 3-view silhouette.jpg
Vickers Viking 1B

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See also

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References

Notes
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Andrews and Morgan p396-8
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Taylor p38-9
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Taylor p39
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Jackson Civil v3 p215
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Andrews and Morgan p398
  6. ↑ Ranter, Harro - ASN Aircraft accident Vickers 491 Viking 1A G-AGOK Effingham
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Andrews and Morgan p402
  8. ↑ Flight International, "First Jet Transport", July 29, 1948
  9. ↑ Flight International, "Civil Aviation: From Jets to Pistons", September 17, 1954
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Thetford RAF
  11. ↑ Green and Pollinger, p.184
  12. ↑ Brooklands Museum collection
  13. ↑ Newark Air Museum Aircraft List
  14. ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 14.16 14.17 14.18 14.19 14.20 Taylor 1983, p. 42.
  15. ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 15.12 Andrews and Morgan 1988, p. 501.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Andrews and Morgan 1988, pp. 405, 501.
  17. ↑ Taylor 1983, p. 44.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Andrews and Morgan 1988, p. 502.
  19. ↑ The Illustrated Catalogue to Argentine Air Force Aircraft, Gaceta Aeronautica, 2013 (accessed 2019-02-16)
  20. ↑ La corta vida de un Viking, Roll Out website, 2011 (accessed 2019-02-16)
  21. ↑ "ASN Aircraft accident Vickers 610 Viking 3B G-AHPM Stavanger" Archived 6 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine aviation-safety.net.
  22. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  23. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  24. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
Bibliography
  • "Air Commerce: The Southall Accident: Report of the Public Inquiry". Flight International, 21 August 1959, p. 58.
  • Andrews, C.F. and E.B. Morgan. Vickers Aircraft since 1908. London: Putnam, 1988. ISBN 0-85177-815-1.
  • Bailey-Watson, C. B. "Vickers Viking". Flight, Vol. XLVII, No. 1900, 24 May 1945. pp. 556a–d, 557.
  • Bridgman, Leonard. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1951–52. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd, 1951.
  • Chorlton, Martyn. "Database: Vickers VC.1 Viking". Aeroplane Monthly, Vol. 41, No. 12, Winter 2013. pp. 74–87. Template:ISSN.
  • Green, William and Gerald Pollinger. The Aircraft of the World. London: Macdonald, 1955.
  • Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft 1919–1972: Volume III. London: Putnam, 1988. ISBN 0-85177-818-6.
  • Martin, Bernard. The Viking, Valetta and Varsity. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1975. ISBN 0-85130-038-3.
  • Taylor, H.A. "The Viking... Vickers Commercial One". Air Enthusiast, No. 21, April–July 1983, pp. 38–48. Template:ISSN.

External links

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