Design and development: Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft started on the A.W.27 Ensign in 1934 after receipt of a specification from Imperial Airways. The first aircraft was ordered in September of that year, with delivery expected in 1936; eleven more were ordered in May 1935. An order for a further two aircraft in 1937 brought the total to 14. Production of their Whitley heavy bomber for the Royal Air Force was a priority, and work on the Ensign proceeded slowly. Construction took place not at the main Coventry factory, but at the workshops of Air Service Training Ltd in Hamble. Constant changes were requested by Imperial, slowing production further. As a result, the Ensign's maiden flight did not take place until 24 January 1938. Despite being underpowered, the aircraft was certified, and full airline service began between Croydon and Paris, France in October of that year. Operational history: Three more Ensigns were completed by Christmas, 1938, and were dispatched with the...