Boulton Paul P.32

The sole Boulton & Paul P.32 was a British three engined biplane built to an Air Ministry specification for a long range night bomber.

A lack of engine availability slowed construction and by the time it was available for tests, the other available bomber types were more advanced.

The Air Ministry specification B.22/27 of 1927 called for a three engined long range night bomber. 

Boulton & Paul tendered the P.32 and obtained an order for one prototype. 

de Havilland also received a prototype order for their DH.72, an aircraft of similar size and layout.

Both were twin finned three bay biplanes with two engines on the lower wings and one on the upper centre section.

The centre engine position was driven by the specification’s requirement for a clear view from a bomb aimer’s position in the nose.

Specifications

Crew

4–5

Length

69 ft 0 in (21.03 m)

Wingspan

100 ft 0 in (30.48 m)

Height

21 ft 0 in (6.40 m).