| Vernon | |
|---|---|
| |
| Vernon of 70 Squadron RAF, powered by Rolls-Royce Eagle engines. | |
| Role | Transport |
| Manufacturer | Vickers |
| Introduction | 1921 |
| Retired | 1927 |
| Primary user | Royal Air Force |
| Number built | 55 |
| Developed from | Vickers Vimy Commercial |
The Vickers Vernon was a British biplane troop carrier[1] used by the Royal Air Force. It entered service in 1921 and was the first dedicated troop transport of the RAF.
The Vernon was a development of the Vickers Vimy Commercial, a passenger variant of the famous Vickers Vimy bomber, and was powered by twin Napier Lion engines or Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines.[1] 55 were built.
In February 1923, Vernons of Nos. 45 and 70 Squadrons RAF airlifted nearly 500 troops to Kirkuk, Iraq[2] after the civilian area of that town had been overrun by Kurdish forces. This was the first-ever[3] strategic airlift of troops.
Vernons of No. 45 Squadron had bomb racks and sights fitted.[4] In May 1924 the squadron was officially designated No. 45 (Bombing) Sqdn.[5]
Vernons were replaced by Vickers Victorias from 1927.
- ^ a b Thetford 1962, p. 443
- ^ Wragg 1986, p. 13
- ^ Johnson & Cozens 1984, p. 38
- ^ Embry 1976, p. 34
- ^ Moyes 1964, p. 67