| Produced in large
quantities for the R.A.F., the Bristol "Blenheim" is the
World's fastest bomber. With two 840 h.p. "Mercury" VIII
motors, the Blenheim has an official top speed of 279 m.p.h. at 15,000
ft. with full load. It can cruise for 1,000 miles at 220 m.p.h. with
4,621 lb. of fuel and bombs, and when lightly loaded is said to have
done well over 300 m.p.h. The "Blenheim" is an example of
the modern trend towards mid-wing monoplanes for higher efficiency.
It is of all-metal construction with a retractable undercarriage,
split flaps and three blade controllable-pitch airscrews. There is
a crew of three, pilot, bombaimer, and gunner. The maximum loaded
weight is 12,030 lb. and the wing span 56 ft. 4 in. |
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