Developed in the later stage of World War One, the Vickers Vimy was too late to see operational service. However, post war it became the main heavy bomber of the Royal Air Force.
During the interwar period the Vimy set several records for long-distance flights, the most celebrated and significant of these being the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, performed by John Alcock and Arthur Brown in June 1919. Other record-breaking flights were made from the United Kingdom to destinations such as South Africa (Brand and van Ryneveld in the Silver Queen) and Australia (Ross and Keith Smith). The Vimy continued to be operated until the 1930s in both military and civil capacities.
Eric Platford with the Vimy in 1919Vickers Vimy cockpitVickers Vimy tail skidVickers Vimy engine in 1919
Alcock and Brown
Vickers Vimy Alcock and BrownVickers Vimy Alcock and Brown accident
Ross and Keith Smith G-EAOU
Ross and Keith Smith’s Vickers Vimy, G-EAOURoss and Keith Smith’s Vickers Vimy, G-EAOURoss and Keith Smith’s Vickers Vimy, G-EAOURoss and Keith Smith’s Vickers Vimy, G-EAOURoss and Keith Smith’s Vickers Vimy, G-EAOU in 1920Ross and Keith Smith’s Vickers Vimy, G-EAOUVickers Vimy, G-EAOURoss and Keith Smith’s Vickers Vimy, G-EAOUVickers Vimy, G-EAOU, First flight by Australians from England to Australia, 1919
Silver Queen
Vickers Vimy Silver Queen 1920 Brand and van RyneveldVickers Vimy G-VABA, Silver Queen, on her compass base BrooklandsVickers Vimy G-UABA Silver Queen 1920 Brand and van Ryneveld
