Mk VII converted into paratroop transport and glider tug aircraft
Halifax A.VII: The Interim Glider Tug
The Halifax A.VII served as a vital, albeit interim, solution to the RAF’s need for dedicated glider tugs in support of Airborne Forces operations. While not as extensively modified as the later A.IX, the A.VII incorporated key features that enabled it to effectively tow gliders and transport paratroopers.
Designation: Like the A.IX, the “A” prefix in the A.VII designation highlights its primary role within the Airborne Forces, differentiating it from the bomber-focused “B” variants.
Origin and Production: The A.VII emerged as an interim solution, primarily converted from existing Halifax airframes at Handley Page’s Rawcliffe Repair Depot and their Merseyside factories. Unlike the A.IX, which was built new on a production line, the A.VII conversions were handled by several manufacturers, including Rootes, Fairey, Handley Page, and English Electric. This multi-site production approach allowed for a relatively quick increase in the number of available glider tugs, meeting the urgent demands of impending operations.
Modifications: The A.VII incorporated several key modifications to adapt it to its glider tug and paratrooper transport roles:
Dorsal Turret Deletion: The removal of the dorsal turret was a common modification in glider tug conversions. This reduced drag and weight, improving the Halifax’s performance, which was essential when towing heavy gliders.
Glider Towing Attachment: Robust hook mechanism, similar to or a predecessor of the one used on the A.IX, designed to securely connect to the glider’s tow cable.
Paratrooper Seating: The A.VII could accommodate twelve paratroopers, equipped with seats and strops for safe deployment.
Engine: Hercules VI or XVI, were used depending on the availability and specific airframes being converted.
Operational Deployment: The A.VII played a crucial role in various theaters of operation:
European Theater: The A.VII saw action in Europe as a glider tug, supporting airborne operations during the latter stages of the war.
Middle East: Nos. 620 and 644 Squadrons operated the A.VII in the Middle East.
Far East: Notably, No. 298 Squadron deployed the A.VII in the Far East from May to August 1945, engaging in operations against the Japanese. After the war’s end, these A.VIIs continued to serve in the region until the end of 1946, undertaking crucial roles in photographic reconnaissance, troop transport, and famine relief efforts in Indo-China, Burma, and India.
Operational Life: The A.VII, being an interim solution, was gradually replaced by the more extensively modified Halifax A.IX in European and Middle Eastern squadrons. However, the type’s service in the Far East highlights its capability and the RAF’s continued reliance on the A.VII even as newer variants became available.