Vickers Type 264 Valentia

While the Napier Lion-powered Victoria served successfully with the RAF as a bomber transport, by 1932, the Lion engine was becoming obsolete and it was clear that it could use more power. It was therefore decided to re-engine the aircraft with more powerful Bristol Pegasus engines.[1] It was decided to carry out a two-stage upgrade, with the first, designated the Victoria Mk VI or Configuration I, having a limited maximum weight. This was followed by Configuration 2 which was capable of taking full advantage of the greater power of the Pegasus engine by virtue of a strengthened airframe featuring a strengthened wing, strut rather than wire-braced landing gear, wheel brakes and a tailwheel in place of a skid. This became the Vickers Valentia Mk I[1] which flew for the first time in 1934.

Orders were placed for the 28 new build Valentias to Specification 30/34, with a further 54 being converted from Victorias (Type 278 within the company), with production continuing until 1936.[1]

In 1938 a version with Pegasus IIM3 engines (which offered improved 'hot and high' performance) was supplied for service with one flight of No. 31 Squadron then based in Lahore.

The Valentia first entered service with No. 70 Squadron RAF at Hinaidi, Iraq in 1934,[2] equipping British forces in India, Persia and Iraq.

Like the preceding Vernons and Victorias, the Valentias were extensively used for transport operations in the Middle East, and when necessary used for bombing operations with bomb racks under the wings. Valentias were also experimentally fitted with loudspeakers used to address people being overflown (in this case potentially rebellious tribes during air policing duties).[1] The Valentia was also used for experiments with aerial refuelling by Alan Cobham.[1]

Valentias were used for night bombing operations over the Western Desert in 1940[1] and remained in service with the Iraq and Persia Communications Flight until 1944.[1] The South African Air Force pressed a Valentia into service as a bomber in the East African Campaign in 1940–41.[3]

The Valentia was replaced as a transport in RAF service by the Bristol Bombay.[4]

• Valentia Mk I : Military transport aircraft for the RAF.

 India

• Royal Indian Air Force

 South Africa

• South African Air Force

 United Kingdom

• Royal Air Force
  • No. 31 Squadron RAF
  • No. 70 Squadron RAF
  • No. 216 Squadron RAF
  • No. 244 Squadron RAF

Data from Aircraft of the Royal Air Force[2]

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Capacity: 22 troops
• Length: 59 ft 6 in (18.14 m)
• Wingspan: 87 ft 4 in (26.62 m)
• Height: 17 ft 9 in (5.41 m)
• Wing area: 2,178 sq ft (202.3 m²)
• Empty weight: 10,944 lb (4,964 kg)
• Gross weight: 19,500 lb (8,845 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × Bristol Pegasus II L3 or M3 radial engines, 650 hp (480 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 130 mph (210 km/h, 110 kn) at 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
• Cruise speed: 117 mph (188 km/h, 102 kn)
• Range: 800 mi (1,300 km, 700 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 16,250 ft (4,950 m)
• Rate of climb: 700 ft/min (3.6 m/s)

Armament

• Bombs: Could be fitted with underwing racks for 2,200 lb of bombs

Related lists

• List of aircraft of the Royal Air Force
• List of aircraft of World War II