Handley Page HP52 Hampden

The Handley Page Hampden was one of the medium bombers with which the Royal Air Force entered the Second World War. The Hampden was designed in response to an Air Ministry specification for a twin bomber which was faster than earlier bombers. The Hampden had a narrow fuselage which gained it the name the "Flying Suitcase"! The Hampden first flew in 1936 and entered service with the RAF in 1938.

SDASM Archive image [2]

Information
Manufacturer:	Handley Page
First flight:	1936
Propulsion:	Bristol Pegasus XVIII radial engine (2)
Withdrawn:	1943
Number built:	1,430

By the start of the war the Hampden equipped ten squadrons. Unfortunately the Hampden did not fare well in the daylight bombing role though was used in the earliest raids against the German mainland. The Hamnpden easy meat for the Luftwaffe despite it's still good performance. The Hampden was switched quickly to nighttime operations and proved useful in bombing, propaganda leaflet dropping and mine laying. Hampdens were later used for torpedo bombing to protect Arctic convoys. It remained in this role until being withdrawn by the RAF in 1943. A version of the Hampden with in-line engines was also produced called the Handley Page Hereford.

The Hampden also served in notable numbers with the Australian, Canadian and Soviet air forces. Two Hampdens survive though neither in a flyable condition.

SDASM Archive image [2]

[1] Handley Page Hampden https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/15650368358

[2] Handley Page Hampden https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/15650369808