The type 163 Buckingham was a mid wing medium bomber with two Bristol Centaurus 18-cylinder sleeve valve radial engines each developing 2,400hp. DX249 the first of four prototypes flew in February 1943 and, after a few problems, about fifty production machines had been delivered by the end of 1944. Buckingham was originally planned as a replacement, for the Blenheim in the tactical day bomber role. The Buckingham was designed on a unit system and was a very quick aeroplane to build from complete subassemblies built at various locations. Unfortunately the needs of the RAF changed due to improved bombing techniques and the support of the USAAF with the consequence that the Buckingham was not needed. Only 119 production Buckinghams were actually built due to cancellations and at least half of these were built or delivered as Buckingham C.l fast courier transports. These were unarmed and had seats for four passengers with oxygen supply and had windows inserted into the sides.
Serials
DX249, DX255, DX259, DX266
KV301-KV346, KV358-KV372, KV402-KV350, KV371-KV379
Source
C.H. BARNES: Bristol aircraft since 1910, Putnam
Martyn CHORLTON: Company Profile 1910-1959 Bristol
Geoff Green: Bristol Aerospace Since 1910