Handley Page
Handley Page Type W
The Handley Page Type W was an early British experimental aircraft built by the pioneering firm Handley Page in 1910. Designed by Sir Frederick Handley Page, the Type W was intended to investigate the aerodynamic advantages of a thick, cantilever wing without external bracing, a concept that later influenced all modern monoplanes. The single‑bay biplane featured a wooden frame covered with fabric, a 50‑hp (37 kW) Gnome rotary engine mounted in the nose, and a pilot’s open cockpit situated midway between the wings. Its most distinctive element was the unusually deep wing section, which provided both lift and structural rigidity, allowing the aircraft to fly without the drag‑inducing wires and struts typical of the era. First flown at the Handley Page factory at Cricklefield in March 1910, the Type W demonstrated stable handling and modest performance, reaching a top speed of about 45 mph (72 km/h) and a service ceiling of 2 000 ft. Although only one prototype was built, the lessons learned helped Handley Page develop the successful Stamps and later the world‑first bomber, the H.P.31. The Type W is regarded as a key step toward the adoption of cantilever wings, shaping the evolution of modern aircraft design.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1919
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Handley Page
- Wikidata ID
- Q1469766