The Vickers Viscount was the World's first turboprop airliner. Developed to meet a specification of the Brabazon Committee, the original VC2 was designed to carry only 24 passengers, later increased to 32 by the time the prototype started construction.
The revolutionary Rolls-Royce Dart powered prototype flew for the first time on 16th July 1948. Designated as the type 630, at this time the aircraft was to be named the Viceroy. The name was later changed to Viscount due to the situation in India around that time.
The new aircraft was rather ahead of its time and was not picked up on by the airlines. They were no doubt unsure of the new technology and played safe with the established piston powered airliners. The new aircraft had also been considered slightly too small, so when upgraded Dart engines became available a new version, the 700 series, was proposed at an increased 43 seat specification.

The 700 flew for the first time on 19th April 1950 and by now was gaining interest from the airlines. After extensive testing the new airliner went into service with BEA in April 1953.
Once the initial breakthrough was made the superior performance, reliability, economy and comfort of the turboprop aircraft led to a number of significant orders and the days of piston powered airliners were numbered.
The passenger appeal of the turboprop was undeniable, with a much smoother and faster ride. A famous film clip showing the novelty of being able to balance coins and pencils on a passenger table as the aircraft cruised along, contrasting the vibration felt from piston engined aircraft.

Further developments in the Dart engine saw more increases in fuselage length with passenger accommodation rising to 69 with the 800 series. The final 810 series could carry 75 passengers in its maximum density layout.
The 800 series flew on 27th July 1956 entering service with BEA and also receiving significant orders from around the World.

When the final 810 series left for China on 16th April 1964, the Viscount production run ended with a total of 438 aircraft delivered, making it Britain's most successful airliner.

(Article by David Maltby)

Vickers Viscount 810 data
Accommodation: 3-4 Crew & 52-75 passengers
Engines: 4 Rolls-Royce Dart 525 turboprops 1,990ehp
Span: 93ft 81/2in
Length: 85ft 8in
Gross weight: 72,500lb
Max payload: 14,500lb
Max cruise: 358mph at 15,000ft
Range: 1,760 miles with max payload at 343mph
data Civil Airliner Recognition 1973