Orthographic
projection of the Wellington Mark Ia, with profile views of Mark I (Vickers
turrets), Mark II (Merlin engines), Mark III (Hercules engines, 4-gun tail
turret), GR Mark VIII (maritime Mark Ic, metric radar) and GR Mark XIV
(maritime Mark X, centimetric radar
The Vickers Wellington really needs no introduction, and was
the most widely produced British bomber off WW2. It saw frontline service in a
variety of capacities from the beginning to end of the conflict. These included
day and night bomber, torpedo bomber, high altitude bomber, maritime and
anti-submarine patrol, transport, trainer and engine test-bed. It continued to
serve in non-combat roles for some time after the war. One thing it wasn’t
suited to however was towing gliders, as its geodetic construction meant it
would stretch!
The Mk XIV was the culmination of a series of maritime
patrol and anti-submarine versions. It was equipped with ASV Mk III radar in a
chin installation, a retractable ventral Leigh searchlight, and had the ability
to carry eight RP-3 rocket projectiles as well as depth charges etc.
Type 429 Wellington
GR Mark VIII
Mark IC conversion
for Coastal Command service. Roles included reconnaissance, anti-submarine and
anti-shipping attack. A Coastal Command Wimpy was the first aircraft to be
fitted with the anti-submarine Leigh light. 307 built at Weybridge, 58 fitted
with the Leigh Light.
Type 458 Wellington
GR Mark XI
Maritime version
of B Mark X with an ordinary nose turret and mast radar ASV Mark II instead of
chin radome, no waist guns, 180 built at Weybridge and Blackpool.
Type 455 Wellington
GR Mark XII
Maritime version
of B Mark X armed with torpedoes and with a chin radome housing the ASV Mark
III radar, single nose machine gun, 58 built at Weybridge and Chester.
Type 466 Wellington
GR Mark XIII
Maritime version of B Mark X with an ordinary
nose turret and mast radar ASV Mark II instead of chin radome, no waist guns,
844 built Weybridge and Blackpool.
Type 467 Wellington
GR Mark XIV
Maritime version
of B Mark X with a chin radome housing the ASV Mark III radar and added RP-3
explosive rocket rails to the wings, 841 built at Weybridge, Chester and
Blackpool.