The Stirling was the first of the large, four-engined bombers to go into service with the RAF. Extremely impressive, with vast length, unprecedented height, and even two separate tail wheels, the Stirling's wingspan was limited to 99' (in order to fit into RAF hangars of the day). This, unfortunately, limited the aircraft's ceiling and after serving from February 1941 until March 1943 it was withdrawn from operational service.
Some little known facts. The Stirling was the only aircraft to serve with Bomber Command in World War Two that was actually intended to carry four engines. Both the Lancaster and the Halifax started out life as two engined designs. The Stirling was also the tallest of any aircraft to serve with the RAF in World War Two - at 22 feet and 9 inches from the ground at her highest point, she cut an imposing sight to those not used to seeing her standing proud on her somewhat lanky undercarriage. Tip of the nose to the end of her guns at the tail was a shade over 87 feet, which made her the longest of any aircraft to serve with the RAF in the War. She had lovely clean lines, and everything seemed to be just in proportion. And finally, the Stirling, contrary to popular misguided belief, was actually a jolly fine aircraft. Although superseded by her sisters the Lancaster and Halifax in the second half of the campaign, she continued to give excellent service with the HCUs, Transport Command, and a host of other units and departments well past the end of the war.