Assembling The Airfix Whitley MK.V 2

The Armstrong Whitworth Whitley was one of three twin engine RAF medium bombers in service at the outbreak of the Second World War. The Whitley was a vital part of Bomber Command until the introduction of the four engine heavy bombers, (the Short Stirling, Handley Page Halifax and the Avro Lancaster). The Whitley took part in the first RAF bombing raid on German territory, and also performed many leaflet dropping sorties in the early days of the war.

Always intended for night time operations, the Whitley was a slow machine with docile handling characteristics, but with a ceiling of just 15,000 feet with a full bomb load, it was still vulnerable.

After it's retirement from frontline bombing duties, many served with the RAFs Coastal Command or as a glider tug and transport machine.

An often overlooked and forgotten aircraft, Whitleys nonetheless flew nearly 9000 sorties with Bomber Command and played an important role in the early stages of the RAF's night bombing offensive.

Maximum Speed: 230mph
Range: 1,430 miles
Wingspan: 84ft
Length: 70ft 6in
Armament: 5 x. 303in machine guns and up to 7,000lbs of bombs.