Armstrong Whitworth Ensign

A.W.27 Ensign
AW.27 Ensign G-ADTC in typical 1940 markings
Role	Airliner
Manufacturer	Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft
First flight	24 January 1938
Introduction	1938
Retired	1946
Primary users	Imperial Airways BOAC
Number built	14

The Armstrong Whitworth Ensign was a British four-engine airliner built during the 1930s for Imperial Airways. It could seat 40 passengers and was designed for European and Asian routes, connecting Britain with further seaplane flights to Australia and South Africa.

In the Second World War, they were used for transport duties to and from the area of Middle East command. After the war, they were withdrawn from service but - with no buyers forthcoming - scrapped.

Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft started on the A.W.27 Ensign in 1934 after receipt of a specification from Imperial Airways for a monoplane airliner with four Armstrong Siddeley Tiger engines. Government policy was to send all first-class mail by air and Imperial Airways were increasing their fleet. The first aircraft was ordered in September for a cost of £27,000 (design) and £43,300 (manufacture) of that year, with delivery expected in 1936. Eleven more (at £37,000 each) were ordered in May 1935. An order for a further two aircraft (£40,000 each) in December 1936 brought the total to 14.

The Ensign was a high-wing cantilever monoplane of light alloy construction and an oval, semi-monocoque fuselage with a conventional tailplane. The wings aft of the single box spar were fabric covered as was the tailplane and fin. It had retractable landing gear and a castoring tail wheel. The main landing gear was hydraulically operated and retracted into the inner engine nacelles. The cockpit had side-by-side seating for two pilots with dual controls; there was also accommodation for a radio operator. The fuselage was divided into separate cabins, either four cabins with accommodation for 40 passengers or three cabins with room for 27 by day or 20 at night with sleeping accommodation.

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