The great expansion of the RAF during the mid-1930s saw several monoplane medium bomber designs joining Bomber Command, meaning that, by the start of the war, the Handley Page Hampden, Armstrong Whitworth Whitley and Vickers Wellington were well established in service. It was to supplement and then replace these that further parallel specifications for new, modem types were issued in 1936. The first, P12/36, was for a large, long-range, four-engined heavy bomber and eventually resulted in the Short Stirling. In contrast, P13/36 was for a twin-engined monoplane medium bomber capable of carrying a bomb load of 8,0001b. It too was to be suitable for employment worldwide, and in addition to level bombing was to conduct 30° shallow dive-bombing. There was also a requirement to carry two 18in torpedoes. Interestingly, the specification took in provision for the aircraft be stressed for catapult-assisted take-offs to allow operation at maximum payload from the then limited runway lengths available. This requirement was effectively dropped in 1938, though some trials were later conducted with the prototype at RAE Farnborough.
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