Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle
Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1940 · transport aircraft
The Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle was a British twin-engine aircraft designed as a medium bomber but used primarily as a glider tug and special operations transport during World War II. Its mixed wood-and-metal construction was intended to conserve strategic materials.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.24 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine British glider tug and special operations transport
- Geodetic-inspired mixed wood/metal construction
- Tricycle undercarriage unusual for its era
The Albemarle is identified by its tricycle undercarriage (rare for early-war British aircraft), twin Bristol Hercules radials, a mid-mounted tapered wing, and the relatively large boxy fuselage with mixed materials construction giving an unusual surface texture on close inspection.
Specifications
- The Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle has a length of 18.24 m (60 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 23.47 m (77 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 426 km/h (265 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originally designed as a Bristol Hercules-powered medium bomber, the Albemarle was redesigned to use non-strategic materials and was built by a consortium of furniture makers and coachbuilders unfamiliar with aircraft. It first flew in March 1940. Performance was disappointing for the bomber role and the type was converted to tug and transport duties.
Variants
The Albemarle ST (Special Transport) Mk I–IV were the glider tug versions; Mk V and VI were fully dedicated transport marks. A total of 600 were built.
Where you'll see it
Served with the RAF as a glider tug and transport, participating in the invasions of Sicily (Operation Husky) and Normandy (Operation Overlord). It towed Horsa and Hadrian gliders during these major airborne operations. All were withdrawn after the war.
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