Operational History
The first squadron of Mark I Virginias was assembled in 1924. Despite mediocre performance, the aircraft served frontline units until 1938, when it was replaced by the newer Wellingtons, Hampdens and Whitleys. Newer designs such as the Fairey Hendon and Handley Page Heyford supplemented rather than replaced the Virginia.
The final almost all-metal Virginia Mark X was the most numerous RAF bomber until the ascendance of the Heyford in 1934. After its technical obsolescence as a bomber it was used for photography and for parachute training, with jump platforms installed behind the engine nacelles. On June 26, 1940, a committee discussing the need for airborne cannon for use against invading tanks suggested equipping Virginias with the equally antiquated 37 mm (1.46 in) Coventry Ordnance Works gun. This was not acted on.
In the 1930s, the Virginias were used in some of the first tests of midair refuelling, although they were never used in this role outside of tests.
The Virginia was developed in parallel with the Vickers Victoria freighter, and the two aircraft had much in common, notably sharing the same design of wing.
The Virginias were highly accident prone, with 81 lost in this manner. Despite their obsolescence, Virginias continued to soldier on in support roles with the Parachute Test Flight at Henlow until December 1941.
Read more about this topic: Vickers Virginia
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