The Stirling's low operational ceiling of just 12,000 ft--also caused by the thick wing--meant that it was usually picked on by night fighters; within five months, 67 of the 84 aircraft in service had been lost.
It was usually picked on by night fighters. This was what the Stirling's low operational ceiling of just 12,000 ft meant.67 of the 84 aircraft in service had been lost. This was within five months.