Vickers Virginia

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The Vickers Virginia was a biplane heavy bomber of the British Royal Air Force, developed from the famous Vickers Vimy.

It was powered by twin Napier Lion engines and flew for the first time in 1922.

Despite mediocre performance it served as the main British heavy bomber until 1938, when it was replaced by the newer Wellingtons, Hampdens and Whitleys.

The final all-metal Virginia Mark X remained in second-line service until 1941. 124 Virginias were built in total.

After it's technical obscolescence as a bomber it was used for parachute training, with jump platforms installed behind the engine nacelles.

The Virginia was developed in parallel with the Victoria freighter, and the two planes had much in common, notably sharing the same design of wing.

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