In 1936 the British Air Staff drew up plans for the development of a series of twin-engine aircraft which culminated in the Whitley, Hampden and Wellington medium bombers.

The prototype of the Avro Type 698, or Vulcan, was ordered in January 1948, the first aircraft (VX770) flying with four 6,500 lbst Rolls Royce Avon R.A.3 turbojets in 1952.