L2637 was perhaps the first of five Wellesleys modified to Vickers Type 292 standard for the RAF's Long-Range Development Unit, but this one did not participate in the non-stop flight from Egypt to Australia. Writing on back of print suggests photo taken on 18 February 1938. Photo from: Vickers

Part of the RAF's Long-Range Development Unit Flight that flew non-stop from Egypt to Australia. L2638 was LR1, the lead aircraft. The library caption on this photo says it is at RAAF Pearce but by the time the remaining two LRDU aircraft arrived at Pearce L2638 had already been written off. It had suffered an engine failure near Richmond, NSW. Date of this incident is unclear. The damaged L2638 was dismantled and shipped back to the UK from Sydney. Photo from: State Library of Western Australia

Five Wellesley single-engined long-range bombers were modified to Vickers Type 292 standard for the RAF's Long-Range Development Unit, with changes including low-drag long-chord cowlings. L2680, centre, and L2638 set a new world distance record in November 1938, flying from Egypt to Darwin, Australia. L2639 landed in Kupang, Dutch Timor, but also broke the previous record. The aircraft then continued to Australia, made an emergency landing while touring the country and ended up in the RAAF as an instructional airframe.