Internally, the bomb bay could store up to 4,000 lb of conventional drop bombs or a single 18" torpedo (the latter for anti-ship work). The bomber also could disperse naval mines in place of conventional drop bombs. A stock of Hampden Mk I bombers were converted for the torpedo bomber role under the designation of "TB.Mk I".
By the end of 1938, several Royal Air Force (RAF)squadrons had formed around the Hampden Mk I. This meant that when Britain declared war on Germany in September of 1939, the Hampden was already on hand as part of the active Allied air campaign. More squadrons had also formed with this bomber by the time of the declaration to further bolster Hampden strength. However, the fighting that followed soon showcased the Hampden as a very limited weapons platform, particularly in daylight operations when unescorted by fighter protection. Losses mounted to intercepting German cannon-armed fighters and heavy fighters. It was this sort of result that spurred the RAF to take their bombing campaign to the night hours where the German response was restricted some. The Hampden formed a component of the nocturnal RAF bomber force while other heavies were used to continue the daytime pressure. The Hampden, while outclassed as a traditional daylight bomber, could still field a serviceable bomb load and performed admirably in the night bomber role when pressed.
Handley Page manufacture about 500 of its Hampdens while additional quantities stemmed from English Electric (adding 770 aircraft) and Canadian CAA (adding 160). Beyond the primary Mk I model was the short-lived Mk II (HP.62) which attempted to improve the series by introducing Wright "Cyclone" engines of 1,000 horsepower. However, only two Mk I models were converted to the Mk II standard and nothing more came of the program. Another engine installation project - this involving Napier "Dagger" VIII 24-cylinder inline types of 1,000 horsepower - produced 100 examples of the Handley Page "Hereford". However, persistent engine cooling problems led to this stock being converted back to the Hampden Mk I standard and used as bombers.
By August of 1942, the Hampden line had seen its best days behind it and was relegated to second line status. The final forms - these being TB.Mk I torpedo bombers - were released from service by December of 1943 which ended the wartime service career of the Hampden in full.
Beyond its service with the RAF, the line also stocked the inventories of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Soviet Union. A single Australian and New Zealand Hampden squadron was formed (No. 455 and No.489 respectively) while three Canadian units were arranged (Nos. 408, 415, 420 and 32 (Training)). Soviet Naval Aviation operated the bomber through squadron No.24 MTAP. The Swedish Air Force purchased a single Hampden (model HP.53 operated as the P.5) for evaluation but no further orders followed. This airframe ended its days as an avionics text platform for SAAB.
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