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Short Brothers |
Short S.29 Sterling Mk IV
Mk IV
The Stirling gained a new lease of life as a glider tug. The Airspeed Horsa glider had first been towed by the Whitley bomber, but it was recognised that a more powerful towing aircraft was really required. It was only when the Halifax and Lancaster bombers began to appear in large numbers during 1943 that the Stirling became available to carry out that duty.
The Mk IV used the same engines as the Mk III. To save weight the front and dorsal turrets were removed, although the rear turret was retained. Glider towing equipment was attached below the rear fuselage. A small number of Mk IVs also had a large exit hatch for paratroops added under the aircraft. The Mk IV could carry twenty fully equipped paratroopers.
The Mk IV entered service in January 1944, and by the summer equipped six squadrons in No. 38 Group. The Stirling Mk IV was active on D-Day and was involved in every significant airborne operation for the rest of the war in Europe.
The Stirling gained a new lease of life as a glider tug. The Airspeed Horsa glider had first been towed by the Whitley bomber, but it was recognised that a more powerful towing aircraft was really required. It was only when the Halifax and Lancaster bombers began to appear in large numbers during 1943 that the Stirling became available to carry out that duty.
The Mk IV used the same engines as the Mk III. To save weight the front and dorsal turrets were removed, although the rear turret was retained. Glider towing equipment was attached below the rear fuselage. A small number of Mk IVs also had a large exit hatch for paratroops added under the aircraft. The Mk IV could carry twenty fully equipped paratroopers.
The Mk IV entered service in January 1944, and by the summer equipped six squadrons in No. 38 Group. The Stirling Mk IV was active on D-Day and was involved in every significant airborne operation for the rest of the war in Europe.