Vickers VC10
The Vickers VC-10 was not only the last large airliner to be built by an independent British aircraft manufacturer but, sadly, was also the last in the line of commercial aircraft built solely by Vickers that included the Varsity, Viking, Vanguard and Viscount. During its relatively short commercial service life its graceful lines and comfortable cabin were appreciated by passengers and crews alike. But its disappointing sales record reflected the attitude of the then national flag carrier, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), which had a predilection for American-built aircraft. Fortunately, the Royal Air Force stepped in and prolonged the type’s lifespan by acquiring examples for transport duties. But total sales of just 54 airframes hardly covered the project’s development costs.
Laker Airways is born: Remembering Sir Freddie Laker
After founding Air Charter and growing a lucrative vehicle ferry service, Sir Freddie developed ambitious plans for even further expansion of his aviation empire
Last days of the VC10
After 47 years of service the RAF retired the Vickers/BAC VC10 from service, as reported in the November 2013 issue of Aviation News
Why the VC10 was loved by passengers and crew
Endowed with levels of performance in some respects still unmatched, the VC10 was loved by pilots and passengers alike, as Bruce Hales-Dutton explained in the August 2013 issue of Aviation News
The ultimate Vickers VC10 quiz
How well do you know the Vickers VC10? Test your knowledge with this quiz!
Flying aboard a British Airways VC10
To mark the 30th anniversary of retirement from British Airways’ service, in 'Airliner World's' March 2011 issue Tom Allett provided a personal memory of one of the type’s last charter flights
BOAC and British Airways VC10s
Stephen Skinner profiles the VC10 in service with BOAC and British Airways.
Tanking and Transport, the VC10 Way
In a career that stretched almost 50 years, the RAF’s VC10s supported the UK’s military around the world between 1967 and 2013. Paul E Eden reviews the type’s service.
The VC10’s key design features…and the reasons it failed
Vickers built the VC10 to BOAC’s very specific requirements for certain routes and while it met those goals, these strengths were its weaknesses in being too niche to have wider appeal to airlines like the Boeing 707 achieved. The February 10, 1961 edition of ‘The Aeroplane and Astronautics’ assessed the design features of this new jetliner
Captivating colour photos of VC10 route-proving flights
More than half a century ago, BOAC was offering a select group of invited guests from the industry, politics and the news media on Vickers VC10 route-proving flights ahead of its entry into service. Bruce Hales-Dutton speaks to a few of those involved in making the marathon operation happen in a report that is illustrated with stunning colour photos
Gulf War VC10s in Operations Granby and Desert Storm
Stephen Skinner details British VC10 involvement, as both a tanker and transport platform, in Operations Granby and Desert Storm
This article is from VC10 Special
One of the truly iconic jet airliners, the Vickers VC10 is superb example of British engineering that left a lasting impression on many; those who flew it as pilots, or in it as crew or passengers, those who worked on the initial design, manufacturing, or maintenance programmes, or those many more who simply saw it in the skies.
VC10 specifications
| Type 1101 Standard | Type 1151 Super | Type 1106 / C.Mk1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Plant | 4x 20,400lb (89.76kN) | 4x 22,500lb (100kN) | 4x 22,500lb (100kN) |
| Conway RCo.42 Mk 540 | Conway RCo.43 Mk 550 | Conway RCo.43 Mk 550 | |
| Wing Span | 46.2ft (44.56m) | 146.2ft (44.56m) | 146.2ft (44.56m) |
| Wing Area | 2,932sq ft (272.7m²) | 2,932sq ft (272.7m²) | 2,932sq ft (272.7m²) |
| Length | 158.7ft (48.4m) | 171.33ft (52.23m) | 171.33ft (52.23m) |
| Height | 39.5ft (12.04m) | 39.5ft (12.04m) | 39.5ft (12.04m) |
| Empty Weight | 139,510lb (63,270kg) | 146,960lb (66,648kg) | 142,225lb (64,501kg) |
| Gross Weight | 312,000lb (141,496kg) | 335,000lb (151,927kg) | 322,000lb (146,032kg) |
| Fuel Load | 17,925gal (81451 lit) | 19,275gal (87,586 lit) | 19,275gal (87,586 lit) |
| CruisingSpeed | 560mph (903km/h) | 565mph (911km/h) | 580mph (935km/h) |
| Ceiling | 43,000ft (13,109m) | 43,000ft (13,109m) | 42,000ft (12,804m) |
| Range | 5,850 miles (9,435km) | 5,960 miles (9,613km) | 6,260 miles (10,097km) |
| Passengers | 115 mixed / 135 Economy | 139 mixed / 163 Economy | 150 personnel or 78 stretchers & nurses |
| Crew | 4 plus 3 stewards | 4 plus 3 stewards | 2 pilots, 1 navigator |