In 1940, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) modified their Wellington aircraft to make it suitable for mine clearance duties. To do this, they built a balsa wood ring around the fuselage which had a diameter of fifty-one feet. This ring was used to hold the minesweeper gear and was created from a lightweight material that allowed the aircraft to remain airworthy. The modified Wellington was a unique sight, with its unusual shape and colors, and it was used for many successful mine-clearing operations during the Second World War.

This modification was a remarkable achievement, given the limited resources and technology of the time. It demonstrated the ingenuity and creativity of the RAF engineers, and their commitment to completing the mission. This modification also serves as a reminder of the bravery of the RAF personnel who operated the Wellington during their dangerous missions.