Vickers Wellington

The Vickers Wellington is a British twin-engine medium bomber built by Vickers-Armstrongs, entering Royal Air Force service in 1938 and serving as the backbone of RAF Bomber Command's early Second World War bombing campaign before being succeeded in the main bomber role by larger four-engine designs later in the war. Built using a geodetic airframe structure designed by engineer Barnes Wallis, a lattice-like basket-weave framework that gave the Wellington exceptional structural resilience, allowing it to absorb substantial battle damage, including large holes torn in its fabric-covered skin, and still return safely, the type earned a strong reputation for survivability among its crews. Beyond its bomber role, the Wellington was adapted successfully for maritime patrol, anti-submarine and training duties, and it remained in RAF service in these secondary roles even after its bombing role was overtaken by newer four-engine heavy bombers such as the Avro Lancaster.