Vickers Virginia Bomber catapult launch 1931

In 1931 the RAF catapulted a 14,000-pound Vickers Virginia bomber to 60 mph in three seconds. The hope was the creation of mobile airfields where bombers with heavy loads could be launched from constricted areas. The idea was eventually abandoned as bomber takeoff performance was addressed with a combination of controllable-pitch propellers, high-lift devices, and the extension and paving of runways. But throughout World War II, RAF four-engine bombers carried the serious weight penalty of being built extra rugged to withstand catapult launches.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Vickers
• Virginia
• Bomber
• catapult
• launch
• 1931
• aviation
• history
• aircraft
• airplane

[carmium]

I was kind of expecting the fuselage to be catapulted to 60 mph in three seconds while the wings and tail stayed behind.

[bompiberlot]

Ugh ! Seemed it was going to dismantle...

[oldfart387]

It didn't appear to have a head-rest, wouldn't that be hard on the pilot? 1, 2, 3, the head pops off!

[indianchief741]

Where do You get these great videos!!!!!!!!!! or should I say films!!!!

[jetstreamone]

i have read about this never thought i would see on

u tube

[Syd1940]

My thoughts exactly! If one of my models had a tail wobbling like that I'd check it very carefully lol

Amazing stuff you're posting Bomberguy

[jamesgood72]

Look at that tail section moving around!

[denberg2]

Keep 'em coming Bomberguy! I'd never heard of this anywhere before. Well done.