Vickers Vernon

Vernon
Vernon of 70 Squadron RAF, powered by Rolls-Royce Eagle engines.
Role	Transport
Manufacturer	Vickers
Introduction	1921
Retired	1927
Primary user	Royal Air Force
Number built	55
Developed from	Vickers Vimy Commercial

The Vickers Vernon was a British biplane troop carrier used by the Royal Air Force. It was the first dedicated troop transport of the RAF, entering service in 1921.

The Vernon was a development of the Vickers Vimy Commercial, a passenger variant of the famous Vickers Vimy bomber, and was powered by twin Napier Lion engines or Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines. 55 were built.

In February 1923, Vernons of Nos. 45 and 70 Squadrons RAF airlifted nearly 500 troops to Kirkuk, Iraq after the civilian area of that town had been overrun by Kurdish forces. This was the first-ever strategic airlift of troops.

Vernons of No. 45 Squadron had bomb racks and sights fitted. In May 1924 the squadron was officially designated No. 45 (Bombing) Sqdn.

Vernons were replaced by Vickers Victorias from 1927.

Data from Aircraft of the Royal Air Force

General characteristics

Performance

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