Plane of the Day: Handley Page Hastings

The Handley Page Hastings was a stalwart of the Royal Air Force's transport fleet for over two decades, serving as the RAF's primary long-range transport aircraft through much of the Cold War. Though less famous than the American C-47s and C-54s, the Hastings played a vital, heavy-lifting role in the Berlin Airlift, hauling massive quantities of coal and other supplies into the beleaguered city, enduring relentless flying conditions. Beyond Berlin, it served as a versatile workhorse for troop transport, paratroop dropping, and even meteorological reconnaissance, known for its rugged reliability and large cargo capacity.

Specifications:

• Country of Origin: United Kingdom

• Max Speed: 348 mph 

• Armament: N/A

• Range: 3,260 miles (5,246 km) with maximum fuel

• Max Takeoff Weight: 80,000 lbs (36,287 kg)

• Service Ceiling: 26,500 ft (8,077 m)

• Powerplant: 4x Bristol Hercules 101 or 106 14-cylinder radial piston engines, 1,675 hp (1,249 kW) each

• Length: 81 ft 8 in (24.89 m)

• Wingspan: 113 ft 0 in (34.44 m)

• Height: 22 ft 6 in (6.86 m)

• Crew: 5 (Pilot, Co-pilot, Navigator, Radio Operator, Flight Engineer/Loadmaster)