An iconic aircraft that changed the course of aviation history first took flight 85 years ago.

The Handley Page Halifax, a prototype bomber, made its debut on October 25, 1939, having been in development for nearly three years.

Initially, the Government required the aircraft to be equipped with four Rolls-Royce Vulture engines, but due to technical issues, Handley Page switched to the Merlin engines.

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The Avro company, however, continued with the Vulture engines for the Manchester bomber.

The Halifax played a significant role in rendering the Blenheim bomber obsolete in offensive operations due to its superior range, speed, and load capacity.

Ironically, the Halifax announced its arrival at RAF Bicester, which had been home to the Blenheim bomber.

Built at Handley Page’s Cricklewood factory in North London, the Halifax prototype was transported to Bicester in pieces to maintain secrecy and was assembled in a hangar.

Despite locals being aware of some activity, the maiden flight of the elusive bomber, piloted by Handley Page’s lead test pilot Major James Cordes, remained largely unnoticed.

Major Cordes, a World War One veteran, had to switch his focus to aviation after being injured in Greece.

The Halifax was the fourth plane he had piloted on a maiden flight, after the Heyford, Hampden, and Harrow.

However, the debut flight of the Halifax did not go off without a hitch.

Major Cordes was reportedly unhappy with the Lockheed hydraulics and insisted on using Dunlops instead, causing a three-day delay for refitting.

Once satisfied with the results of the testing, Major Cordes flew the aircraft to Boscombe Down for further testing of the prototype.

The Ministry’s second prototype did not fly until almost a year later, but the finished plane entered service a year after the initial Bicester flight.

In 1941, a Halifax dropped the first British bomb on Germany during the raids on Hamburg.

Throughout the war, the Halifax alternated between Merlin and Hercules engines.

The aircraft carried varied loads, including bombs, mines, and troops of the Special Operations Executive.

Bomber Command dispatched more than 6,000 Halifaxes on more than 75,000 sorties over four years.

Despite the significant role it played, only one Halifax ever flew from Bicester, but it was arguably the most important of all.

The Halifax, with its vast load capacity and superior range, marked a significant shift in warfare strategy during World War Two.

From its humble beginnings at RAF Bicester, the aircraft went on to play a pivotal role in the war effort, demonstrating the rapid technological advancements of the time.