Westland Wallace

Westland Aircraft

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1915
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Aircraft

The Westland Wallace was a British-designed, two-seat biplane serving multiple roles within the Royal Air Force. Developed by Westland as a successor to their acclaimed Wapiti, it represented the final iteration of interwar general-purpose biplanes. It saw operational deployment across several frontline and Auxiliary Air Force squadrons. While rapid advances in aviation technology led to its swift replacement in active combat units, many Wallaces found extended utility during the Second World War after being converted into wireless trainers and target tugs. Notably, in 1933, a Westland Wallace achieved the distinction of being the first aircraft to fly over Everest, as part of the Houston-Mount Everest Flight Expedition.

Design and development

In 1931, Westland introduced the PV-6, a private venture that evolved from the successful Wapiti. This refreshed model incorporated several enhancements such as an elongated fuselage, the addition of brakes and wheel spats on the landing gear, and an upgraded powerplant. By this stage, both its appearance and performance had diverged significantly from the original Wapiti design, prompting Westland to assign it the designation "PV6 Wallace." Compared to its predecessor, the Wallace was approximately 20 inches (0.51 m) longer, featured an improved undercarriage system, and was equipped with a 655 hp (488 kW) Bristol Pegasus IV engine. The initial production runs of Mk I Wallaces were actually conversions from existing Wapitis, with 68 aircraft powered by 570 bhp (430 kW) Pegasus IIM3 engines.

An enhanced version called the Mk II was subsequently developed, featuring a more powerful engine and introducing the innovative enclosed canopy covering both crew positions. This design improved crew comfort and allowed the rear gunner better aiming capability by shielding him from airflow. Three Mk I Wallaces (serials K4346–K4348) were later modified to meet Mk II specifications, including installation of the enclosed canopy.

Operational history

File:Westland Wallace II.jpg

Westland Wallace Mk II

The prototype PV-6, registered as G-ACBR and also referred to as the Houston-Wallace, along with another aircraft, the Westland PV-3 G-ACAZ, participated in the Houston Everest Expedition—named after its sponsor Lucy, Lady Houston—aiming to achieve a flight over Mount Everest. Both planes underwent modifications such as installation of heating and oxygen systems, fully enclosed rear cockpits, and highly supercharged Bristol Pegasus IS 3 engines. Piloted by Flight Lieutenant D.F. McIntyre and Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 14th Duke of Hamilton (known as Lord Clydesdale), these aircraft successfully completed the first overflight of Mount Everest on 3 April 1933.

The majority of Wallaces were assigned to the Auxiliary Air Force, serving with squadrons 501 through 504 starting early in 1933 with converted Wapitis. Additional units operated within the Anti-Aircraft Cooperation Flight at RAF Biggin Hill. Production of Wallaces concluded in October 1936.

The RAF’s initial casualties during World War II involved a Wallace from the RAF Observer School (serial K6028), which crashed near Bennachie, close to Aberdeen. Pilot Officer Ellard Alexander Cummings (aged 23) from Ottawa, Canada, and Leading Aircraftman Alexander Ronald Renfrew Stewart (aged 24) were both killed.

Following their removal from frontline general-purpose duties, numerous Wallaces were adapted for use as target tugs. At the onset of World War II, 83 Wallaces remained operational within RAF service. The type was fully retired by 1943.

Variants

Westland PV-6

Initially a prototype, subsequently adapted to a military version known as the Wallace I.

Houston-Wallace

Another designation for the PV-6 after modifications for the Everest expedition.

Wallace Mk I

A conversion of the Wapiti fitted with a 570 hp (430 kW) Bristol Pegasus IIM3 engine, with 68 units modified.

Wallace Mk II

Newly manufactured model featuring an enclosed cockpit and equipped with a 680 hp (510 kW) Bristol Pegasus IV powerplant, totaling 104 produced.

Operators

File:Westland Wallace RAF Hendon Museum.JPG

Westland Wallace displayed at the RAF Museum in London

Template:UK

• Royal Air Force
  • No. 501 Squadron RAF
  • No. 502 Squadron RAF
  • No. 503 Squadron RAF
  • No. 504 Squadron RAF

Specifications (Westland Wallace II)

File:Westland Wallace 3-view NACA-AC-179.png

Three-view illustration of the Westland Wallace from NACA-AC-179

References

Notes

Bibliography

• James, Derek N. Westland Aircraft since 1915. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1991. ISBN 0-85177-847-X.
• James, Derek. "To The Top of the World". Aeroplane. Vol. 36, No. 4, Issue No 420, April 2008, pp. 20–25.
• Mondey, David. The Hamlyn Concise Guide to British Aircraft of World War II. London: Aerospace Publishing, 1994. ISBN 1-85152-668-4.
• Thetford, O. Aircraft of the Royal Air Force 1918-57. London: Putnam, 1957.

External links

• Westland Wallace Mk II