Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle

The Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle began as a reconnaissance bomber but found its place as a glider tug and special-duties transport. It was unusual in being built largely of wood and steel rather than light alloy, deliberately so it could be made by furniture and motor-industry subcontractors and conserve scarce aluminium and skilled labour; it was also among the first British operational aircraft with a tricycle undercarriage. From 1943 the Albemarle towed Horsa gliders and dropped parachute troops, taking part in the airborne landings in Sicily, on D-Day in Normandy and at Arnhem. About 600 were built.