Handley Page Halifax
From Our Contribution
 No 462 Squadron Halifax AWM P01523.033 | |
 Halifax Mk 3 version | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Type | four engine monoplane |
| Role | strategic heavy bomber |
| Designer | Handley Page |
| Manufacturer | Handley Page (1,589), English Electric (2,145), Fairey Aviation (662), London Aircraft Production Group (710), & Rootes Securities (1,070) |
| Produced | 1940 - 46 in the UK |
| Number built | 6,176 |
| Primary users | RAF, RCAF, RAAF, Free French AF |
| In service | 13 Nov 1940 |
| Out of service | 1961 (Pakistan Air Force) |
Remarks
The original design was in response to the Air Ministry request for a world wide medium bomber. Its maiden flight occurred on 25 Oct 1939, and it entered service with the RAF in late 1940, quickly becoming a major component of Bomber Command. Construction continued until April 1945. Many variations of the basic design evolved, including an unarmed passenger version. During war time operations 1,833 aircraft were lost.
In addition to the RAF, the Halifax was flown by the Canadian, Australian, Free French, and Polish Air Forces. Three Australian Squadrons flew the Halifax - Nos 460, 462 and 466 Squadrons. While 462 Squadron spent considerable time in the Middle Eastern theatre, they all flew bombing raids over Germany until the war in Europe finished. Forty one Halifax aircraft were used during the Berlin Airlift carrying goods and personnel into Berlin following the Communist action to isolate West Berlin from the Allies controlled West Germany.
General characteristics
- Crew: 7 (pilot, co-pilot/flight engineer, navigator, bomb aimer, radio operator/gunner, two gunners
- Length: 21.82 m
- Wingspan: 31.75 m
- Height: 6.32 m
- Empty weight: 17,178 kg
- Max takeoff weight: 29, 484 kg
- Powerplant: 4 x Bristol Hercules XVI
- Maximum speed: 454 km/h at 4,100 m
- Range: 2,990 km
- Service ceiling: 7,300 m
- Armament
- Guns: 8 x .303 in Browning machine guns ( 4 in dorsal and 4 in tail turrets) and 1 x .303 in Vickers K machine gun (nose)
- Bombs: 5,897 kg of bombs
Crew members
No. 462 Squadron RAAF
- † Ernest Ronald William Oliver 30 Jan 1945 - KIA 24 Feb 1945 aerial battle Germany