The Short Stirling had the distinction of being the first four-engined bomber to be introduced into service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. It entered squadron service in early 1941 and was praised by pilots for its ability to out-turn enemy night fighters and its favourable handling characteristics, although its altitude ceiling was criticised. It was relegated to second-line duties from late 1943, due to the increasing availability of the more capable bombers for the strategic bombing of Germany.
The Short Stirling had the distinction of being the first four-engined bomber to be introduced into service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. It entered squadron service in early 1941 and was praised by pilots for its ability to out-turn enemy night fighters and its favourable handling characteristics, although its altitude ceiling was criticised. It was relegated to second-line duties from late 1943, due to the increasing availability of the more capable bombers for the strategic bombing of Germany. During later service, the Stirling was used for mining German ports, as glider tugs and supply aircraft during the Allied invasion of Europe in 1944–1945.
Size: 3000px × 2426px
Location: Great Britain
Photo credit: © De Luan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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