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Short Stirling
First of the RAF's four-engined heavy bombers. Soon replaced by the Lancaster and Halifax, and used as target tug. The shortcomings of the Stirling were mostly due to faulty specifications. The Stirling had a too small wing, and the towering high undercarriage of the Stirling was required to give the small wing a sufficient incidence for takeoff and landing. The Stirling Mk.V (160 pieces) was a transport version for 40 paratroopers or big load.

                                         

Type:Heavy bomber

Power plant Four 14 cylinder Bristol Hercules XVI radial engines

Wingspan 99.1 ft 30.20 m

Length 87.3 ft 26.6 m

Height 22.8 ft 6.94 m

Weight  70,000 ft 31,750 kg
Speed 270 mph 435 km/h

Ceiling 17,000 ft 5,182 m

Range 2,010 mi 3,235 km

Armament 8x 7.7mm machine gun; 8,165 kg bombs

Crew 7-8