In 1927, the British Aviation Ministry published the specification B.19/27 for a night heavy bomber. Among the 8 projects submitted for the competition was Hendon (until 1934, simply called Fairy Night Bomber) from Fairey Aviation. November 25, 1930 - the first flight of the Fairey Hendon heavy bomber.
The Hendon was a low-wing aircraft with a non-retractable landing gear and a two-keel tail. The fuselage frame was made of steel pipes and covered with canvas. 2 ? Rolls-Royce Kestrel VI engines (600 hp) allowed to reach a maximum speed of up to 245 km / h. Flight range - 2190 km. Armament ? 3 ? 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun + 753 kg of bombs.
Testing and launching into serial production of Hendon was delayed. The first serial bomber was built only in 1936. By this time, the more advanced Armstrong Whitworth Whitley, Vickers Wellington and Handley Page Hampden were introduced. Therefore, only 14 Fairey Hendon aircraft were produced.
