What was the Vickers VC.1 Viking?

The Vickers VC.1 Viking was a British twin-engine, short-range airliner manufactured by Vickers-Armstrongs Limited at Brooklands near Weybridge in Surrey.

From which aircraft was the Vickers VC.1 Viking derived?

The Vickers VC.1 Viking was derived from the Vickers Wellington bomber, utilizing its wing and undercarriage design to expedite development.

What was the role of the Vickers VC.1 Viking for British airlines after World War II?

Following World War II, the Viking served as an important airliner for British airlines, bridging the gap until more advanced turboprop aircraft, such as the Vickers Viscount, became available.

What significant experimental modification was made to a Vickers Viking airframe in 1948?

An experimental airframe was fitted with Rolls-Royce Nene turbojets, flying for the first time in 1948. This aircraft became the world's first pure jet transport aircraft.

What military developments were based on the Vickers VC.1 Viking design?

Military versions developed from the Viking included the Vickers Valetta and the Vickers Varsity.

What was the purpose of Air Ministry Specification 17/44, which led to the Viking's development?

Specification 17/44 outlined a peacetime requirement for an interim short-to-medium haul passenger aircraft, intended to serve until more advanced designs, like those specified by the Brabazon Committee, were ready.

How did Vickers-Armstrongs speed up the development of the Viking?

To accelerate its development, the Viking incorporated the wing and undercarriage design from the existing Vickers Wellington bomber, while featuring a new fuselage.

When and where did the first prototype Vickers VC.1 Viking make its maiden flight?

The first prototype Viking, designated Type 491 and registered G-AGOK, first flew on June 22, 1945, piloted by Joseph "Mutt" Summers at Wisley Airfield.

What fate befell the first prototype Viking?

The first prototype Viking crashed on April 23, 1946, due to a double engine failure. Fortunately, no fatalities resulted from the crash itself.

What was the initial production order placed for the Viking after the prototypes proved successful?

Following successful trials of the three prototypes, the Ministry of Aircraft Production placed an order for 50 Viking aircraft.

When did the first Vickers VC.1 Viking enter service with BOAC?

The first BOAC aircraft flew on March 23, 1946, indicating its introduction into service around that period.

What were the key characteristics of the initial production Viking 1A?

The Viking 1A was designed to carry 21 passengers. It featured metal fuselages and, except for the wing sections inboard of the nacelles, had geodetic wings and tail units clad in fabric.

How did the Viking 1 variant differ from the earlier Viking 1A?

The Viking 1 variant incorporated stressed-skin construction for its main wings and tail units, offering improved structural integrity compared to the fabric-clad geodetic structures of the 1A.

What improvements characterized the Viking 1B variant?

The Viking 1B was extended by 28 inches, allowing it to carry 24 passengers. It was also equipped with up-rated Bristol Hercules piston engines.

What unique modification was made to one Viking 1B, and what was its significance?

One Viking 1B was modified to be fitted with two Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engines. This experimental aircraft, the Nene-Viking, made its first flight on April 6, 1948, marking it as the world's first pure jet transport aircraft.

What was the purpose of the Nene-Viking's flight on July 25, 1948?

On July 25, 1948, the Nene-Viking flew from Heathrow to Paris (Villacoublay) carrying letters to the widow and son of Louis Blériot, commemorating the 39th anniversary of his English Channel crossing.

What speeds did the Nene-Viking achieve during its demonstration flights?

The Nene-Viking achieved a maximum speed of 415 mph (668 km/h) at 12,000 ft and averaged 394 mph (634 km/h) during its demonstration flights.

When did production of the Vickers VC.1 Viking conclude, and how many were built in total?

Production of the Vickers VC.1 Viking concluded in 1948, with a total of 163 aircraft built.

How many Vikings were produced for the Royal Air Force (RAF), and how many of those were specifically for the King's Flight?

Sixteen Vikings were produced for the RAF, with four of these being designated for use by the King's Flight.

How did British European Airways (BEA) adapt their Viking fleet in 1952?

In 1952, BEA modified its remaining Vikings to accommodate 36 passengers instead of the original 27, renaming this configuration the "Admiral Class" and increasing the maximum payload.

When did BEA retire its fleet of Vickers VC.1 Vikings?

BEA operated the Viking until late 1954, when the aircraft were displaced by the introduction of more modern, pressurized airliners like the Airspeed Ambassador and the Vickers Viscount.

What happened to the BEA Vikings after their service with the airline?

BEA sold its Viking fleet to several UK independent airlines for use on their expanding route networks, and some were also sold to other European operators.

What was the significance of the "VC" designation in VC.1 Viking?

The "VC" in VC.1 Viking stood for Vickers Commercial, continuing a precedent set by the earlier Vimy Commercial aircraft of 1919.

What military aircraft were developed from the Viking's design, and what were their primary roles?

The Vickers Valetta was a modified design with a strengthened floor and large freight door, serving as a military transport. The Vickers Varsity was a further modification of the Valetta, featuring a tricycle undercarriage for use as a navigation and crew training aircraft.

When did the first regular scheduled service using the Vickers VC.1 Viking commence, and on which route?

The first regular Viking scheduled service began on September 1, 1946, operating between Northolt and Copenhagen Airport.

Which airline operated the Viking that crashed into a mountainside near Stavanger, Norway, on August 9, 1961?

Cunard Eagle Airways operated the Viking G-AHPM, which crashed into a mountainside near Holta, Norway, resulting in the loss of all 39 occupants.

What was the worst accident involving a Vickers VC.1 Viking in terms of fatalities, and when did it occur?

The worst Viking accident, with 40 fatalities, occurred on September 11, 1963, when an Airnautic-operated Viking F-BJER crashed into a mountain in the Pyrenees.

How many Vickers VC.1 Vikings are reported to survive today, and where are they located?

Six Vickers VC.1 Vikings survive today. Five are in museums worldwide, and one airframe is undergoing major restoration in the UK after being acquired by the Blackbushe Heritage Trust.

What were the dimensions of the Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B in terms of length and wingspan?

The Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B had a length of 65 feet 2 inches (19.86 meters) and a wingspan of 89 feet 3 inches (27.20 meters).

What engines powered the Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B, and what was their power output?

The Viking 1B was powered by two Bristol Hercules 634 radial engines, each producing 1,690 horsepower (1,260 kW).

What was the maximum speed and cruise speed of the Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B?

The Viking 1B had a maximum speed of 263 mph (423 km/h) at 1,000 ft and a cruise speed of 210 mph (340 km/h).

What was the stated range of the Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B at its cruise speed?

The Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B had a range of 1,700 miles (2,700 km) when cruising at 210 mph.

What was the service ceiling and rate of climb for the Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B?

The Viking 1B had a service ceiling of 25,000 feet (7,600 meters) and a rate of climb of 1,500 feet per minute (7.6 m/s).

What was the takeoff distance required for a Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B to clear a 50-foot obstacle?

The Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B required a takeoff distance of 2,550 feet (780 meters) to clear a 50-foot obstacle.

What was the landing distance required for a Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B to clear a 50-foot obstacle?

The Vickers VC.1 Viking 1B required a landing distance of 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) from a 50-foot obstacle.

Which specific type number was assigned to the first prototype Viking?

The first prototype Viking was designated as Type 491.

What was the Type 618, and what was its notable feature?

The Type 618 was a Viking 1B aircraft modified for trials with two Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engines, making it the world's first jet transport aircraft.

Which military version of the Viking was used as a VIP transport for the RAF's King's Flight?

The Viking C2 served as the VIP transport aircraft for the King's Flight of the RAF.

What were the primary civil operators of the Vickers VC.1 Viking?

Key civil operators included British European Airways (BEA), Aerolíneas Argentinas, Det Danske Luftfartselskab (DDL), Misrair, and Air India, among many others.

Which military forces operated the Vickers VC.1 Viking?

The Viking was operated by military forces such as the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Argentine Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Pakistan Air Force, and the Arab Legion Air Force.

What was the significance of the Viking 1B designated as Type 614 for BEA?

The Type 614 was a Viking 1 variant specifically for British European Airways, contributing to their fleet operations.

How many Viking aircraft were lost in accidents throughout their operational history?

Out of the 163 Vikings built, 56 aircraft were lost in accidents.

What happened on April 5, 1948, involving a Vickers Viking near Berlin?

A British European Airways Viking, G-AIVP, collided with a Soviet Yak-3 fighter near Berlin, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What was the outcome of the British European Airways Flight S200P crash on April 21, 1948?

British European Airways Flight S200P (G-AIVE) crashed on approach to Glasgow-Renfrew Airport. While no one was killed, 14 people sustained injuries.

What was the fate of the DDL Viking OY-DLU on February 8, 1949?

The DDL Viking OY-DLU crashed into the sea off Copenhagen, Denmark, leading to the loss of all 27 occupants.

What recommendation was made following the crash of BEA's G-AHPN at London Northolt on October 31, 1950?

The crash, caused by the pilot failing to overshoot during a Ground Control Approach in poor visibility, led to a recommendation that it should be an offense for aircraft to fly below a minimum height when ground visibility was low.

What happened to the Viking G-AHPI operated by Hunting Air Travel on February 17, 1952?

The Hunting Air Travel Viking G-AHPI flew into the La Cinta mountain range in Italy, resulting in the loss of all 31 people on board.

What was the BEA Viking accident at Belfast-Nutts Corner Airport on January 5, 1953?

A BEA Viking 1B, G-AJDL, crashed on approach to Belfast-Nutts Corner Airport, Northern Ireland, killing three crew members and 24 passengers.

Where is the Vickers Viking 1B, designated T-9, currently on display?

T-9, formerly of the Argentine Air Force, is on static display at the Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica de Argentina in Morón, Buenos Aires.

What is the current status of the Viking G-AGRU?

G-AGRU, a Viking 1A, is undergoing major long-term restoration while on outdoor display at the Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey.

What was the purpose of the Vickers Varsity T1?

The Vickers Varsity T1 was a highly modified Valetta design featuring a tricycle undercarriage, intended for use as a navigation and crew training aircraft.

Vickers Vc.1 Viking Wiki: Vickers Viking: Post-War Airliner Pioneer

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Overview

A Crucial Post-War Aircraft

The Vickers VC.1 Viking was a British twin-engine, short-range airliner that emerged in the immediate aftermath of World War II. Developed by Vickers-Armstrongs Limited, it was derived from the renowned Vickers Wellington bomber. The Viking played a significant role in the early years of British commercial aviation, serving as a reliable workhorse until more advanced turboprop aircraft, such as the Vickers Viscount, became widely available.^[1]

Bridging the Gap

Designed to meet a post-war requirement for civilian transport, the Viking effectively bridged the gap between wartime bomber designs and the next generation of airliners. Its robust construction and familiar handling characteristics, stemming from its Wellington heritage, made it a popular choice for airlines operating in the challenging post-war environment.^[3]

Jet Propulsion Pioneer

Remarkably, an experimental variant of the Viking was modified with Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engines. This aircraft, the Nene Viking, first flew in 1948, marking a significant milestone as the world's first pure jet transport aircraft. This demonstrated the potential for jet power in commercial aviation, even though the piston-engined Viking remained the primary production model.^[8]

Design and Development

Wellington Heritage

The Ministry of Aircraft Production commissioned three prototype "Wellington Transport Aircraft" based on Specification 17/44. To expedite development, the Viking utilized the wing and undercarriage structures from the Wellington bomber. However, it featured a completely new fuselage designed for passenger transport.^[1]^[3] The initial production aircraft featured geodetic construction for the wings and tail units, a hallmark of Barnes Wallis's designs, while the fuselage was constructed of metal.^[3]

Evolution and Refinement

Customer feedback led to refinements, with later production batches, designated Viking 1 and Viking 1B, incorporating stressed-skin metal construction for the wings and tail units. The Viking 1B featured a lengthened fuselage and more powerful Bristol Hercules engines, achieving a production run of 115 units.^[3]

The Jet Variant

One Viking 1B was uniquely converted for jet propulsion trials. Fitted with two Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engines, it first flew on April 6, 1948. This aircraft, the Type 618 Nene-Viking, demonstrated impressive performance, completing a London-Paris flight in just 34 minutes, reaching a top speed of 415 mph.^[8] Although pioneering, this jet variant did not enter mass production.

Operational History

Entry into Service

The first Viking prototype flew on June 22, 1945. The first production aircraft was delivered to British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) in April 1946. Subsequently, the fleet was transferred to the newly formed British European Airways (BEA) on August 1, 1946, to operate domestic and European routes.^[3]

European Network

BEA commenced its first regular Viking service on September 1, 1946, flying between RAF Northolt and Copenhagen. For eight years, BEA operated a substantial fleet of Vikings, establishing crucial connections across Europe and within the UK. By 1951, BEA upgraded its Vikings to an "Admiral Class" configuration with 36 seats, increasing capacity.^[14]

Transition and Legacy

BEA retired its Viking fleet by late 1954, replaced by the more modern Airspeed Ambassador and the revolutionary Vickers Viscount turboprop. The retired Vikings were sold to various independent UK airlines and international operators, continuing their service life on charter and scheduled routes. Military derivatives, the Vickers Valetta and Vickers Varsity, also served with the Royal Air Force for many years.^[11]

Variants

Key Designations

The Vickers Viking evolved through several variants, each with specific improvements or roles:

Viking: The initial three prototypes.
Viking 1A: Early production models featuring geodetic wings.
Viking 1: Featured stressed-skin mainplanes for enhanced durability.
Viking 1B: An improved variant with a longer fuselage and uprated engines, becoming the most numerous version.
Nene Viking: The sole jet-powered experimental aircraft.
Viking C2: Military designation for VIP transport aircraft, notably for the King's Flight.

Vickers assigned specific type numbers to aircraft built for different customers or configurations:

Type 491, 495, 496: Prototypes.
Type 498: Viking 1A for BEA.
Type 604, 610, 614, 632, 634, 635, 636, 639, 641, 643, 644, 649: Various Viking 1B configurations for different airlines and government use.
Type 618: The Nene-Viking jet prototype.
Type 611, 615: Viking 1 variants for Argentine government.
Type 620, 621, 623, 624, 626, 627: Military (RAF) and export variants.
Type 651: Valetta C1 variant for RAF.
Type 657: Conversions from Type 498 for BSAAC.
Type 659: Valetta C1 variant for RAF.
Type 660: Valetta C2 variant for RAF.
Type 664: Valetta C3 variant for RAF.
Type 667: Valetta C4 variant for RAF.
Type 668: Varsity T1 trainer variant.

Military Derivatives

Beyond the Viking itself, Vickers developed significant military variants:

Vickers Valetta: A strengthened version of the Viking, featuring a large freight door and modified internal structure for troop transport and cargo duties. Over 260 Valettas were produced for the RAF.^[11]
Vickers Varsity: A further development of the Valetta, incorporating a tricycle undercarriage and specialized equipment for navigation and crew training. It served the RAF for an extended period.^[11]

Operators

United Kingdom Operators

The Viking was extensively operated by British airlines, most notably:

British European Airways (BEA): The primary operator, utilizing a large fleet for its European network.
Eagle Aviation / Eagle Airways
Hunting Air Transport
Air Ferry
Channel Airways
Tradair Limited
Also operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as the Viking C2, including for The King's Flight.

International Operators

The Viking also found service with operators in several other countries:

Argentina: Argentine Air Force, Aerolíneas Argentinas, LADE.
Australia: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Denmark: DDL (Det Danske Luftfartselskab).
Egypt: Misrair.
France: Air Inter, Air Dauphine.
Germany: LTU International, Condor.
India: Air India, Indian Airlines.
Iraq: Iraqi Airways.
Ireland: Aer Lingus.
Jordan: Arab Legion Air Force.
Pakistan: Pakistan Air Force.
South Africa: South African Airways, Trek Airways.
Switzerland: Balair.
Trinidad and Tobago: British West Indian Airways.

Accidents and Incidents

Operational Losses

Throughout its service life, 56 of the 163 Vickers Vikings built were lost in accidents. These incidents, while unfortunate, provided valuable lessons for aviation safety and aircraft design.^[26]

Notable Incidents

Some significant accidents involving the Viking include:

April 5, 1948: A BEA Viking collided with a Soviet Yak-3 fighter near Berlin, resulting in 15 fatalities.^[26]
February 8, 1949: A DDL Viking crashed into the sea off Copenhagen, killing all 27 occupants.^[26]
October 31, 1950: A BEA Viking crashed on approach to London Heathrow in poor visibility, causing 33 fatalities.^[27]
September 11, 1963: The most severe Viking accident occurred when an Airnautic aircraft crashed into the Pyrenees, claiming all 40 lives on board.^[37]

A comprehensive list of accidents and incidents is available in the referenced Wikipedia article.

Specifications (Viking 1B)

Performance Data

General Characteristics:

Crew: Typically 2-3
Capacity: 24-38 passengers
Length: 65 ft 2 in (19.86 m)
Wingspan: 89 ft 3 in (27.20 m)
Height: 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m)
Empty Weight: 23,000 lb (10,433 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight: 34,000 lb (15,422 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Bristol Hercules 634 radial engines, 1,690 hp (1,260 kW) each
Propellers: 4-bladed constant-speed

Performance:

Max Speed: 263 mph (423 km/h) at 1,000 ft
Cruise Speed: 210 mph (340 km/h)
Range: 1,700 mi (2,700 km)
Service Ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)

Data sourced from Vickers Aircraft since 1908.^[45]

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References

The Illustrated Catalogue to Argentine Air Force Aircraft, Gaceta Aeronautica, 2013 (accessed 2019-02-16)

La corta vida de un Viking, Roll Out website, 2011 (accessed 2019-02-16)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Vickers VC.1 Viking Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional aviation advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official aircraft documentation, historical archives, or seeking advice from aviation historians and professionals. Always refer to primary sources and expert analysis for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Vickers Viking: Post-War Airliner Pioneer

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

✈️ A Crucial Post-War Aircraft

🚀 Bridging the Gap

💡 Jet Propulsion Pioneer

Design and Development ⚙️

🏗️ Wellington Heritage

🔧 Evolution and Refinement

💨 The Jet Variant

Operational History 📜

🛫 Entry into Service

🌍 European Network

➡️ Transition and Legacy

Variants 🧳

📜 Key Designations

military Military Derivatives

Operators 👥

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Operators

🌍 International Operators

Accidents and Incidents ⚠️

📉 Operational Losses

💥 Notable Incidents

Specifications (Viking 1B) 📏

📊 Performance Data

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Crucial Post-War Aircraft

Bridging the Gap

Jet Propulsion Pioneer

Design and Development

Wellington Heritage

Evolution and Refinement

The Jet Variant

Operational History

Entry into Service

European Network

Transition and Legacy

Variants

Key Designations

Military Derivatives

Operators

United Kingdom Operators

International Operators

Accidents and Incidents

Operational Losses

Notable Incidents

Specifications (Viking 1B)

Performance Data

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice