In the years following World War II commercial aviation began to find its feet again.
There was a flurry of new companies forming to offer air travel and, just like after World War I, manufacturers were using the opportunity of developing technology that was hastily advanced for war to benefit aircraft and air travel.
Because of the sheer number of Douglas DC-3, or C-47 Dakota’s, that were produced for the war effort for use in paratrooping and transport roles, many new airlines were able to buy these aircraft very cheap and press them into passenger or cargo roles as a way of building their business.
Aircraft manufacturers thought that the use of these basic, uncomfortable aircraft would only last a short while and airlines would soon be looking for new aircraft to buy to replace the DC-3s and charm their passengers with better comfort.
In hindsight we know that the old adage is true – the best replacement for a Douglas DC-3 is another DC-3. The type is still in use some 70 years after the war ended. But I digress…
One of the first airliner designs to emerge as a touted DC-3 replacement was the Handley Page Herald.
The original Herald with four piston engines at the Farnborough Air Show.
It offered a sleek, spacious cabin which was low to the ground to aid in cargo loading, with high wings and four Leonides piston engines. Like the DC-3 it could carry either cargo or passengers, and was suitable for rough strips, with excellent short take-off capabilities.
The spacious interior of the Herald.
At the same time Fokker was developing its own answer to the DC-3 in the form of the F27, as was Antonov with the An-24 and Avro with the 748. The difference with these aircraft was that they offered new turboprop engines, which were more powerful and efficient. Using them also meant that only two were needed.
Handley Page pressed on with its Herald, building prototypes and displaying them. It even took some early order. However, with the rival aircraft gaining much more attention it was decided to rethink the strategy for the Herald.
The result saw the aircraft changed to also feature two Dart turboprop engines. The existing prototypes were modified and demonstrated, showing much potential to customers.
However, it was too late for many as orders had gone elsewhere and the Herald struggled to make an impact.
Preserved Herald cockpit at Bournemouth. Photo (c) Ian Haskill
Despite its versatile handling, capacity and cost-effective operation, only 50 aircraft were built. Many went on to operate long careers with multiple airlines, finishing off carrying cargo. But compared to the 586 Fokker F27s and 1367 Antonov An-24s built, it puts the story into perspective.
The story of the Handley Page Herald is told in our book Handley Page Herald Timelines by Matt Falcus.
It includes many archive pictures and details of all of the airlines that flew the Herald. It also includes a full production list and details of where the surviving Heralds can be found today.
