The Short Stirling was a British four-engined heavy bomber of the Second World War. It has the distinction of being the first four-engined bomber to be introduced into service with the Royal Air Force (RAF). Due to a variety of issues in the design, the Stirling was quickly relegated to RAF Coastal Command for use in anti-submarine operations against German and Soviet navies.
Variants[]
- Short S.31: Half-scale flying test-bed, powered by 4x Pobjoy Niagara 7-cylinder radial engines
- Stirling I: Powered by Bristol Hercules XI engines.
- Stirling II: Powered by 1,615 hp (1,204 kW) Bristol Hercules VI engines. Four prototypes built.
- Stirling III: Heavy bomber and maritime patrol aircraft, powered by Bristol Hercules XVI engines.
- Stirling IV: Para-dropping and glider towing assault transport, powered by Bristol Hercules XVI engines.
- Stirling V: Cargo aircraft, powered by Bristol Hercules XVI engines.
Users[]
British Empire
Egypt
Third Reich
- Luftwaffe (Nazi) (captured aircraft)
