Armstrong Whitworth Whitley
Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1936 · bomber
The Armstrong Whitworth Whitley was one of the RAF's first-generation heavy bombers, notable for the pronounced nose-down attitude it adopted in level flight due to the high angle of incidence of its thick wing. It served as a mainstay of Bomber Command in the early years of the Second World War.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Slab-sided fuselage with oval cabin windows |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Distinctive nose-down flying attitude in level flight
- Slab-sided fuselage with oval cabin windows
- Twin Armstrong Siddeley or Rolls-Royce engines in long nacelles
The Whitley's most distinctive feature is its flat-bottomed wing generating a strong nose-down pitch in cruise; the long, deep rectangular fuselage with oval windows, underslung engine nacelles, and large twin fins are unmistakable among WWII-era RAF bombers.
Specifications
- The Armstrong Whitworth Whitley has a length of 21.49 m (71 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 25.6 m (84 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 357 km/h (222 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed to Specification B.3/34, the Whitley first flew in March 1936 and entered service with 10 Squadron in 1937. It was the first RAF aircraft to bomb Germany and Italy in the war and participated in the first 1,000-bomber raid. By 1942 it was largely relegated to training and Coastal Command anti-submarine duties as more capable four-engine bombers arrived.
Variants
Seven main variants were built (Mks I–VII); the Mk V was the most numerous with Merlin X engines and an extended rear fuselage, while the Mk VII added ASV radar for maritime patrol. Total production reached 1,814 aircraft.
Where you'll see it
No airworthy examples survive, but the RAF Museum at Cosford holds the sole surviving Whitley fuselage (a Mk V), and a partial example is on display at the Yorkshire Air Museum.
Related aircraft
- Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle
- Armstrong Whitworth Atalanta
- Armstrong Whitworth A.W.52
- Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA
- Blenheim
- Breda Ba.88 Lince
- Dornier Do 19
- Fairey Battle
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