Halifax

A paper model of the Halifax bomber was made in 1:33 scale. The model was awarded at the 8th Competition of Paper and Plastic Models in Świdnik, Poland in 2014.

The Halifax was a British four-engine heavy bomber that took part in the Second World War. The plane was developed by the Handley Page aerospace manufacturer. The plane also performed transport and patrol tasks and was used for meteorological reconnaissance and towing transport gliders. The aircraft had an all-metal structure. Production took place in 1940-1946. 6176 copies of different versions were made. The last flights of these machines in British aviation took place in 1952.

During hostilities, the Halifax aircraft were mainly used for night flights. Apart from bombing raids, the planes were used to supply resistance movements in various countries. The Halifax planes had been flying to Poland, as well. Due to the distance, these were the most difficult flights (up to 14 hours) and could only be worked in the autumn and winter period, when the nights were the longest.

Specifications:

• four in-line engines (most of them with 1,280 HP or 1,390 HP) or radial engines (1,650 HP each) depending on the version. Interesting fact: the displacement volume of one 1650 HP radial engine was 38.7 liters (2362 in³),
• Max speed: 454 km/h (282 mph),
• Wingspan: 31.75 m (104.17 ft),
• Length: 21.82 m (71.59 ft),
• Height: 6.32 m (20.73 ft),
• Empty weight: 17,208 kg (37,937 lb),
• Take-off weight: 29,056 kg (64,058 lb),
• Service ceiling: 7,315 m (24,000 ft),
• Range: 1,658 km (1030 mi),
• Crew: 7.

Armament:

• bombs - the maximum load capacity was 5900 kg (13,007 lb),
• machine guns, caliber 7,7 mm - ⅓ in.

Sources:

• https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handley_Page_Halifax
• http://www.samolotypolskie.pl/samoloty/1161/126/Handley-Page-HP-57-Halifax

14 Jun 2014