Vimy II

The Vimy II was a post‑World War I British bomber developed by Vickers Limited as an enlarged, more powerful version of the original Vimy. First flown in 1919, the aircraft entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1920, where it served primarily as a night‑time strategic bomber and later as a transport and training platform. Its robust wooden frame was covered with fabric and powered by two 450 hp Rolls‑Royce Eagle VIII engines mounted on the lower wing, giving the Vimy II a maximum speed of about 115 mph and a service ceiling of 13 000 ft. The aircraft could carry up to 2 500 lb of bombs internally, and its spacious fuselage accommodated a crew of three plus passengers when converted for civil use. Innovative features included a dual‑control cockpit for pilot training and a detachable under‑carriage that facilitated rapid conversion between bomber and cargo configurations. Although only a few dozen were built, the Vimy II demonstrated the viability of multi‑role aircraft and influenced later Vickers designs such as the Virginia and Wellington. Its operational record helped shape British bomber doctrine during the inter‑war years, cementing its place in aviation history.

Vickers Limited

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Design & Classification