Westland Wallace II - RAF Museum, Hendon, London, UK
N 51° 35.845 W 000° 14.263
30U E 691311 N 5719878
This Westland Wallace II is located in the "Historic Hangars" at the RAF Museum in Hendon, London. The aircraft dates from 1935.
Waymark Code: WMNHMZ
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/19/2015
Views: 3
The RAF Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm with admission being free. Car parking is available but there is a charge. The nearest underground station is Colindale about a 10-15 minute walk away or a number 303 bus passes both the tube station and museum. The co-ordinates posted are for the entrance to the "Milestones of Flight" hall/exhibition entrance.
The RAF Museum's website tells us about the Westland Wallace:
The Wallace was the last of the inter-war general purpose biplanes and was also used by a number of Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons. The pace of aeronautical development caused its rapid replacement in front line service, but its useful life was extended, with many being converted into target tugs and wireless trainers.
In 1931 Westland produced a private development of its successful Wapiti. This machine embodied a number of improvements including a lengthened fuselage, brakes and wheel spats on the under carriage, and a new engine. By this time both the appearance and performance differed considerably from the standard Wapiti, so the company designated it the PV6.
In 1932, following successful service trials, the type was put into production for the Royal Air Force and named Wallace. Three years later, Westland designed an improved version fitted with a more powerful engine and the then novel idea of an enclosed canopy over both crew positions. This offered greater comfort for the crew and improved the rear gunner's aim by protecting him from the slipstream.
A history of the aircraft can be seen here.