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The first prototype Vickers Valetta VL249 photographed during its first flight.
The Vickers Aircraft Company Valetta was a twin-engine military transport aircraft procured against Specification C.9/46, and was in effect a military transport variant of the Vickers Viking airliner.
Changes to produce the Vickers Valetta included the introduction of a strengthened floor, large double loading door on the port side of the rear fuselage, a modified undercarriage, and the use of Bristol Hercules 230 engines.
It was an all-metal, mid-wing monoplane featuring a tail wheel undercarriage and was named after the Maltese capital, albeit spelt with one 'L' rather than two.
An air-to-air photograph of Vickers Valetta C.1 VW161.
The first prototype (VL249) was flown for the first time by Joseph 'Mutt' Summer, on 30th June 1947, and was followed by the first production Vickers Valetta C.1 (VL262) on 28th January 1948. The Vickers Valetta C.1 was employed in replacing the Douglas Dakota in a number of roles, including troop and freight transport, glider towing, parachute operations and casualty evacuation. It operated with RAF Transport Command in the Middle and Far East, with a number of squadrons including Changi-based 48 Sqn, supporting extensive operations during the Malaya campaign and dropping supplied to Special Forces operating in Borneo.
In addition, it served well as a 'leaflet dropper' to garner support of the local population.
Vickers Valetta C.1 VW161 preparing to tow an Airspeed Horsa glider.
The Vickers Valetta C.2, of which 10 examples were manufactured, was configured for VIP transport, carrying between 9 and 15 passengers and having increased fuel capacity for longer-range operations.
The Vickers Valetta C.2 featured a more pointed tail cone than that of the Valetta C.1.
Vickers Valetta C.2 VX580 is on display at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aircraft Museum.
Next into service was the Vickers Valetta T.3, a navigation and air crew trainer for the RAF College at RAF Cranwell, which was easily distinguished by a line of Perspex astrodomes installed into the cabin roof.
The first Vickers Valetta T.3 flew on 31st August 1950, of which 40 examples of this variant were built between 1941 and 1942.
The prototype Valetta T.3 VX564 showing the line of astrodomes along the upper fuselage that distinguish the variant.
The final variant was the Vickers Valetta T.4, with a lengthened radar nose. Eighteen Vickers Valetta T.4s were built, all being converted from existing Vickers Valetta T.3s. These aircraft also served in the navigation trainer role. The first Vickers Valetta T.4 conversion (WJ465) flew for the first time on 15th March 1956.
The Vickers Valetta was withdrawn from front-line service in 1966, being replaced in the transport role by the Hawker Siddeley Andover.
The last aircraft to operate in RAF service (VX573) made its last flight in June 1969.
Variants & Number Built
| Vickers Valetta C.1 | One prototype (VL249) and 212 production transport aircraft, one of which was delivered to the Royal Swedish Air Force |
| Vickers Valetta C.2 | 10 configured for VIP transport |
| Vickers Valetta T.3 | 40 navigation trainers with roof-mounted astrodomes |
| Vickers Valetta T.4 | 18 with lengthened radar nose, converted from T.3 |
| Total production | 263 aircraft |
Specification
| Powerplants | Two 2,000 hp Bristol Hercules 230 engines |
| Span | 89 ft 3 in |
| Maximum Weight | 36,500 lb |
| Capacity | 4 crew and 34 troops, 20 paratroops or freight |
| Maximum Speed | 258 mph at 10,000 ft |
| Cruise speed | 211 mph |
| Range | 1,410 miles (max); 360 miles with 34 troops; 530 miles with 20 paratroops |
Survivors
| Vickers Valetta C.2 (VX580) | Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum at Flixton, Suffolk |