Westland Wallace II Aircraft History - Pre-World War Two Aircraft

Aircraft Information

Aircraft Serial Number: K6035
Historical Period: Pre-World War Two
RAF Museum Collection Ref: 1988/0208/A
Location at RAF Museum: RAF Museum London, Historic Hangars

Aircraft History

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.

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