Which RAF aircraft was the first with a two-speed…

Which RAF aircraft was the first with a two-speed supercharger?

Short answer

The sources gathered do not confirm that it was the Whitley: what they do credit it with is being the RAF's first aircraft with a semi-monocoque fuselage. The two-speed supercharger came with the more reliable Tiger VIII engines, fitted after the first 34 aircraft and which distinguished the Mk II.

Published: November 2, 2026 · Updated: November 2, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Which RAF aircraft was the first with a two-speed supercharger?

Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk I in flight c1938

The two-speed supercharger

After the first 34 aircraft were completed, the engines were replaced by more reliable Tiger VIIIs with a two-speed supercharger; the use of that engine is what distinguished the Whitley Mk II.

An advanced structure

The Whitley is credited with being the first RAF aircraft with a semi-monocoque fuselage structure, built with flat sides to ease production. The wings were mounted at a slight upward angle, so that in level flight the Whitley gave the impression of pointing downwards.

From prototype to service

The first prototype flew on 17 March 1936. On 9 March 1937, the Whitley Mk I began to enter squadron service with No. 10 Squadron RAF, where it replaced the Handley Page Heyford biplanes.