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601 Squadron EPW035616
601 SQUADRON. Practice for an RAF display in June 1931. These aircraft are Westland Wapiti Mk.IIA bombers (in service 1928-1942). When the Indian Air Force was founded in 1933 the first four aircraft were the same model. Aerofilms Collection (see Links). Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 682230
Filename: afl03_aerofilms_35616.jpg
Size: 4864 x 3881 (5.2MB)
Date: 1st June 1931
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive Aerofilms C
Source: English Heritage Images
Aeroplane Air Craft Air Plane Bi Plane Flying
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> Historic Images > Aerofilms Collection (1919-2006)
> Historic Images > Historic Images 1920s to 1940s > Photos of the 1920s
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> Transport > Aircraft > Biplanes
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken from the archives of Historic England's Aerofilms Collection, showcases the 601 Squadron in the midst of practice sessions for an RAF air display in June 1931. The six Westland Wapiti Mk.IIA bombers, with their distinctive biplane configuration and open cockpits, gracefully ascend into the sky, leaving a trail of vapor in their wake. The Westland Wapiti Mk.IIA, a versatile aircraft that served in the Royal Air Force from 1928 to 1942, was a popular choice for both training and light bomber roles. Its introduction marked the beginning of a new era in aviation technology, and its sleek design and robust performance made it a formidable presence in the skies. This photograph holds historical significance, as it offers a glimpse into the early days of the Royal Air Force and the evolution of military aviation. Moreover, it is an intriguing prelude to the establishment of the Indian Air Force in 1933, which initially acquired its first four aircraft, identical to those seen here, to fortify its fledgling air power. The Wapiti Mk.IIA's legacy extends beyond military applications, as it paved the way for the development of more advanced aircraft and set the stage for the future of aviation technology. This photograph, a testament to the past, serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and innovation that has shaped the world of aviation and continues to inspire new generations of pilots, engineers, and aviation enthusiasts.
