Boulton Paul Sidestrand

Boulton Paul Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1926 · bomber

The Boulton Paul Sidestrand was a British twin-engine medium bomber biplane of the late 1920s, notable for its speed and manoeuvrability at a time when bombers were expected to be slow. It served exclusively with No. 101 Squadron of the RAF.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	14.02 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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British twin-engine biplane medium bomber
Two Jupiter radials on lower wing
Served only with No. 101 Squadron RAF

A twin-engine sesquiplane biplane with two Bristol Jupiter radials on the lower wing, open gun positions in the nose and dorsal, and a conventional twin-finned tail. The combination of biplane bomber layout with radial engines on the lower wings is characteristic.

Specifications

The Boulton Paul Sidestrand has a length of 14.02 m (46 ft).
It has a wingspan of 21.92 m (72 ft).
Its maximum speed is 224 km/h (139 mph).
Typical crew: 4.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The Sidestrand entered RAF service in 1928 and was one of the most capable medium bombers of its era, being fast enough to evade contemporary fighters in trials. Only 18 were built, serving only with No. 101 Squadron at Bircham Newton. It was subsequently developed into the Boulton Paul Overstrand, which added an enclosed power-operated nose turret.

Variants

The Sidestrand III and IV differed in engine marks; the type evolved into the Overstrand with the addition of a power-operated turret.

Where you'll see it

Served with No. 101 Squadron RAF from 1928 to 1934, based in the UK. The Sidestrand is of genuine UK relevance as a frontline RAF bomber of the interwar period.

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