Vickers Vellore
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1911 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Vickers Vellore was a sizable biplane created primarily for transporting mail and cargo, available in both single-engine and twin-engine configurations. Its operational history was limited, serving mainly as a freighter and in experimental long-distance roles. The final model, known as the Vellox, featured a wider fuselage and was completed as a passenger airliner.
Development
Named after the Indian city of Vellore, the Vickers Vellore was developed to meet Air Ministry specification 34/24, which required a civil aircraft capable of carrying mail and freight. This aircraft was a large, single-engine, two-bay biplane constructed with a metal frame covered in fabric. Both wings were equal in span, slightly staggered and swept back, supported by parallel interplane struts. Balanced ailerons were installed on both upper and lower wings. The fuselage had gaps above and below it, expanding in diameter behind the radial engine. The crew occupied an open cockpit positioned side-by-side just ahead of the wings, offering excellent visibility. Behind them lay the cargo compartment, tapering towards the biplane tailplane equipped with balanced elevators. Four slender rudders without fins were evenly spaced between the two tailplanes. The landing gear consisted of a fixed split-axle undercarriage complemented by a sprung tailskid.
The initial version, Vellore I, powered by a 515 hp (384 kW) Bristol Jupiter IX engine, made its maiden flight on 17 May 1928. It was exhibited at the RAF Hendon show in June that year before undergoing successful trials at RAF Martlesham Heath in October, where it exceeded performance expectations and demonstrated reliability. Early in 1929, the aircraft was refitted with an Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar VI engine and equipped with additional fuel tanks within the cargo area for an intended flight to Australia. Departing Lympne on 18 March 1929 loaded with 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) including extra fuel, the Vellore II (also called Jaguar-Vellore) reached Benghazi in stages but suffered engine issues that forced an emergency landing. After receiving replacement parts, the journey resumed until another engine failure occurred over the Timor Sea, resulting in the aircraft being damaged in trees near Cape Don lighthouse on Australia's Cobourg Peninsula. The two Australian crew members escaped unharmed.
The twin-engine variant, designated Vellore III, was powered by two 525 hp (391 kW) Jupiter XIF engines fitted with Townend ring cowlings mounted midway between the wings in nacelles. Compared to previous models, its lower wing span was slightly reduced causing the outer interplane struts to angle outward. The main landing gear was repositioned beneath the engines to provide a wider track. This version could also be converted into a seaplane by replacing wheels with single-step floats. A second twin-engine model known as the Vellore IV featured higher compression Jupiter IX engines and remained operational until early 1935, primarily transporting troops and supplies between Martlesham and nearby Orfordness.
The final iteration evolved from an incomplete third twin-engine Vellore airframe but incorporated a new wider fuselage with an enclosed cockpit and cabin windows for passengers. Powered by 600 hp (450 kW) Bristol Pegasus IM3 radial engines, this version was renamed the Vickers Vellox and took its first flight on 23 January 1934 piloted by Mutt Summers.
Operational history
Vickers initially intended the Vellox to serve as a ten-seat passenger aircraft, featuring a redesigned fuselage with five windows on each side positioned ahead of large freight doors on the starboard side near the wing's trailing edge. However, the only unit produced was operated by Imperial Airways primarily as a cargo transporter, mail carrier, and for trials involving the Lorenz blind landing system. The aircraft met with disaster shortly after departing from Croydon Airport in August 1936 when it suffered a power failure, likely caused by a fuel-related issue. Tragically, all four crew members—two pilots and two wireless operators—lost their lives in the accident.
Variants
- Vellore I (Type 134)
- Single-engine freighter powered by a Jupiter engine; one example built.
- Vellore II/Jaguar-Vellore (Type 166)
- Single-engine freighter equipped with a Jaguar IV engine, designed for Australian service; one unit constructed.
- Vellore III (Type 172)
- Twin-engine freighter using Jupiter XIF engines; one produced.
- Vellore IV (Type 173)
- Twin-engine mailplane powered by Jupiter XIF engines; one built.
- Vellox (Type 212)
- Twin-engined airliner driven by Pegasus engines; a single example created.
Specifications (Vellore III)
References
Citations
Bibliography
- Andrews, C.F.; Morgan, E.B. (1988). Vickers Aircraft since 1908 (2nd ed.). London: Putnam. ISBN 0851778151.
- "The Vickers 'Vellore'." Flight, 6 September 1928.
- "To Australia in a fortnight." Flight, 1929.