FLIGHT, July 6. 1939.

A striking study showing the formation of the geodetic structure and the interior as seen from the rear catwalk On the left is the hot-air pipe which runs practically the whole length of the fuselage.

system actuates the rotating, elevating, and depressing of the guns in their turrets. The undercarriage comprises the two main wheels and the tail wheel, all of which retract simultaneously under hydraulic power, their positions being signalled by visual and audible means. Each unit of the main gear embodies a double-acting hydraulic jack in conjunction with a twin-leg transversely braced assembly with a folding backstay. All three wheels ?.re completely enclosed during flight. As at present in service the Wellington has Vickers power-driven gun turrets in the nose and stern, the forward turret housing one machine gun. and the rear turret two of these weapons. Provision is made in the bottom of the fuselage for the installation of a powerdriven retractable t u r r e t housing another two.

The Wellington I normally carries a crew of four, made up of a pilot, a front gunner (who is also the bomb aimer or navigator), a wireless operator (who acts alternatively as the midships gunner), and a rear gunner. Provision is made to carry a fifth man. The cabinwhich, due to the geodetic construction, provides a large amount of unobstructed spaceis exceptionally well lighted for a military machine, thanks to the deletion of fabric over a number of the geodetic panels. From the cabin proper a catwalk extends through the fuselage to the tail gun turret. In the nose, just behind the turret, is a prone position for the bomb aimer. This section of the fuselage is provided with a large trap door for emergency exit; it is spring-loaded and operated by a pedal. Additional emergency exits are provided farther aft in the fuselage, and the occupants of the nose and tail turrets are provided with firemen's axes to enable them to hack through the Perspex enclosures. A number of the machines delivered have dual controls, but these are not normally fitted for active service. Equipment, in addition to an elaborate wireless and D / F installation, comfortable navigating facilities and an automatic pilot, includes an inflatable dinghy housed in the port engine nacelle; a lavatory; a rest bunk ; stowage for

A certain number of the Wellingtons delivered to the R.A.F. are fitted with dual control, as shown here. The visual indicator for the undercarriage occupies the central position on the main instrument panel.