Editing Vickers Wellington (section)

===Mine clearance ===
Specialised "Directional Wireless Installation" (DWI), a cover story for the true purpose of the hoop variants, fitted with a {{cvt|48|ft}} diameter metal hoop, were used for exploding German [[magnetic mine]]s by generating a powerful magnetic field as it passed over them.<ref name = "andrew 14"/> The first successful mine detonation occurred on 8 January 1940 followed by a second on 13 January. In the latter the aircraft flew below the safe 35&nbsp;ft altitude and was caught in the explosive blast though remained flyable.<ref name="Mackay 1985 p23">Mackay 1985 p. 23</ref> The hoop was an aluminium coil in an aerodynamic balsa case; turrets were faired over and unnecessary equipment removed to reduce weight. The first mine detonation unit No. 1 GRU at [[RAF Manston]] was joined by a second (No. 2 GRU) at [[RAF Bircham Newton]]. To protect the unarmed Wellingtons, Bristol Blenheims of [[No. 600 Squadron RAF]] flew escort during the [[Battle of France]]. One DWI was detached to the Middle East to act as the pattern for conversion of Wellingtons there. They were used for clearing the Suez Canal Zone and, later during the [[North Africa campaign]], ports along the coast.<ref name="Mackay 1985 p23"/>