The Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle became one of those aircraft designs that evolved into a role not initially envisioned. The system was born from an earlier Bristol-designed reconnaissance platform that went nowhere and was further evolved by Armstrong Whitworth as a bomber. When that classification failed for the Albemarle, the system was relegated to dedicated transport and glider tug, taking part in some of the major offensives and invasions of World War 2. Generally regarded as unpleasant-an-aircraft as there ever was, the Albemarle would nevertheless become an integral part of the British war effort.
The Albemarle appeared in prototype form as early as 1939 with production sending early examples to frontline forces by 1941. The system failed to shine as a dedicated bomber through the first 42 systems delivered and many were switched over to the transport role. Construction was of a mix-wood and metal, incorporating a basic fuselage with heavy glazing along the nose. The twin engines were mounted along a mid-wing monoplane arrangement. A lone, manually-operated turret was fitted in a dorsal/middle-fuselage position and could be fitted with 2 x or 4 x 7.7mm machine guns as required. Twin rudder fins were set in the tail section. Power came from 2 x Bristol Hercules XI series, 14-cylinder radial piston engines which could generate up to 1,590 horsepower apiece. One unique aspect of the Albermarle's design was in her use of a tricycle landing gear system, something no other British production aircraft had fielded up to this point.
The Albemarle took part in the invasion of Sicily to which they were used to tow support gliders into action. Additionally, the system took part in the upcoming D-Day invasion landings of June 1944 (again as glider tugs) and served with airborne elements during the airdrops over Arnhem - one of three major points controlling three major bridges in British General Bernard Law Montgomery's far-reaching "A Bridge Too Far" campaign to end the war before Christmas. In the end, the Albemarle served with some subtle distinction in her not-too-glorious - yet ultimately detrimental - transport/utility role, a role never intended for the old girl at the outset.
Specifications
Year: 1941
Status Retired, Out-of-Service
Crew 4
Production 600 Units
Armstrong Whitworth - UK
United Kingdom; Soviet Union
- Ground Attack
- Transport
Length:
59.91 ft (18.26 m)
Width:
77.00 ft (23.47 m)
Height:
15.58 ft (4.75 m)
Empty Weight:
22,600 lb (10,251 kg)
MTOW:
36,500 lb (16,556 kg)
(Diff: +13,900lb)
(Showcased weight values pertain to the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Mk II production model)
2 x Bristol Hercules XI 14-cylinder radial air-cooled piston engines developing 1,590 horsepower each.
Max Speed:
256 mph (412 kph; 222 kts)
Service Ceiling:
17,999 feet (5,486 m; 3.41 miles)
Max Range:
1,350 miles (2,173 km; 1,173 nm)
(Showcased performance values pertain to the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Mk II production model; Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database)
STANDARD:
2 OR 4 x 7.7mm Vickers machine guns in manually-operated dorsal turret
OPTIONAL:
Up to 4,500lb of ordnance held internally.
(Showcased armament details pertain to the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Mk II production model)
Mk I - Initial Production Models; 42 being completed as bomber types whilst remaining 558 built to transport specifications.
Mk II - Transport Variant
Mk V - Glider Tug
Mk VI - Glider Tug
* Ribbons not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns/operations.
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United Kingdom; Soviet Union
