DW506 during early trials
Performance Characteristics of the Vickers Windsor B Mk I: A Blend of Promise and Shortcomings
- Projected Top Speed: The Windsor B Mk I, fitted with four Rolls-Royce Merlin 100 engines, aimed for a maximum speed of 360 mph at 21,000 feet and 300 mph at sea level. This high-altitude performance target hints at the aircraft’s initial design as a high-altitude bomber, though this concept was later revised.
- Cruising Capabilities: The bomber’s normal cruising speed was projected to be 304 mph at 24,000 feet, allowing for relatively swift transit to and from target areas. However, it’s worth noting that the third prototype, NK136 (powered by Merlin 85s), achieved a significantly lower cruising speed of 264 mph, highlighting potential challenges in meeting initial performance projections.
- Range and Bomb Load: The Windsor B Mk I was designed for long-range missions, with a projected range of 1,870 miles carrying a 12,000-pound bomb load, and 2,890 miles with an 8,000-pound bomb load. These figures, if achieved, would have provided the RAF with a bomber capable of striking deep within enemy territory.
- Rate of Climb and Service Ceiling: With an initial rate of climb of 960 feet per minute, the Windsor B Mk I could reach an altitude of 20,000 feet in 23.5 minutes. Its service ceiling was determined to be 27,250 feet. These characteristics, while not exceptional for its size, indicate respectable high-altitude performance.
- Takeoff and Landing: The Windsor B Mk I, with its significant wingspan and weight, required a substantial takeoff distance of 4,350 feet to clear 50 feet. This factor would have limited its operational flexibility in terms of airfield requirements.
Factors Influencing Performance:
- Engine Choice: The Windsor prototypes and planned production models utilized various Merlin engine variants, each with differing power outputs. This constant evolution of the engine installations likely contributed to variations in performance between the prototypes and the projected figures for the B Mk I.
- Weight Growth: As with many aircraft development programs, the Windsor experienced weight increases throughout its design and testing phases. This factor likely played a role in the lower-than-expected performance of the third prototype and could have continued to pose challenges for the B Mk I.
- Shifting Design Requirements: The transition from a high-altitude, pressurized bomber (B.5/41) to a “Wellington replacement” (B.3/42) likely influenced the Windsor B Mk I’s final performance parameters. The removal of the pressure cabin, while simplifying the design, may have impacted overall performance.
In Conclusion:
The Vickers Windsor B Mk I, though ultimately a victim of changing wartime priorities and the emergence of other capable aircraft, possessed the potential for impressive performance, particularly in range and bomb load capabilities. However, challenges related to weight management and the constant evolution of its design requirements likely hampered its ability to fully realize its initial performance goals.