Vickers 1911-77

The VC10 airliner, designed by Barnes Wallis, was in service for 33 years, from 1952 to 2013, with Vickers, which was founded in 1908. Vickers produced over 70 different types of aircraft, including the Wellington, and had a reputation for thinking outside the box. Despite initial criticism of Wallis' ideas, history has shown that he was right about geodetics and the VC10 was crucial in the Second World War. This book provides an insight into the aircraft produced by Vickers and the company's history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2023
Publisher: Key Publishing Ltd

It is truly astonishing to consider that just 33 years separate the maiden flights of the remarkable R.100 airship, designed by Barnes Wallis, from the iconic VC10 airliner. Moreover, it is remarkable that, as of 2013, the VC10 continues to serve, albeit in dwindling numbers, representing a company that was established 102 years ago. While the VC10 was initially prefixed with BAC upon its entry into service, it is important to note that the aircraft truly reflects the rapid rise of Vickers, which embarked on its first aeronautical project in 1908 and officially established an aviation department in 1911. Over a span of 49 years, Vickers produced an astounding array of over 70 different types of aircraft, including numerous sub-variants such as the Wellington, which boasted 19 variations alone. While not all of these aircraft were successful, each one contributed, however small, to the accumulation of valuable experience that was either incorporated into subsequent aircraft or preserved for future use. Vickers was renowned for its innovative thinking and ability to think outside the box. A prime example of this was their decision to employ Barnes Wallis and to have unwavering faith in his ideas, which must have seemed quite radical at the time, particularly his unwavering perseverance and ultimate success with geodetic construction. Wallis faced numerous critics and even some loyal Vickers employees who left the company due to his ideas during the early days. However, history has proven him right in his belief in geodetics, much like Hawker with its Hurricane and Supermarine with its Spitfire. It is truly impossible to imagine what the RAF would have done without the Wellington at the beginning of the Second World War. This book offers readers a fascinating insight into the aircraft produced by Vickers, as well as a comprehensive history of the aircraft company itself.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 171 x 243 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802823691