The First Jet Bomber in the RAF.
The first jet bomber to serve with the Royal Air Force, the English Electric Canberra was designed with no defensive armament, relying instead on high speed, an operational ceiling of 48,000 feet, and great manoeuvrability to avoid opposing fighter aircraft.
The First Canberra B2 Bomber .
The original Canberra design dates from the 1940's and the prototype aircraft flew for the first time from Warton aerodrome on 13 May 49. Canberra B1, was intended for use with a radar-assisted bomb aiming system. A delay in this system led to the production of a day bomber prototype, the Canberra B2, and the first operational aircraft were delivered on May 25, 1951. The Canberra B2 differed in having a crew of three, the added member being the bombardier. At RAF Wittering Number 49 Squadron was re-equipped with Canberras in November 1953, and Numbers 61 and 100 Squadrons in July and August 1954.
Photo-Reconnaissance (PR) Roll for the Canberra.
The Canberra has come to the end of its long service life: a testimony to the quality of the original design. After the Canberra B2 Bomber the RAF operated three versions of the aircraft, the T4 is a dual control trainer, and dedicated reconnaissance missions undertaken by the venerable Canberra PR7 and PR9, specialist aircraft that contribute significantly to meeting the RAF's reconnaissance task.
The Last Canberra T4.
At RAF Marham these Canberras had been used to train the crews of the Canberra PR 9 aircraft of 39 Squadron. The last flight of 39 (1 PRU) Squadron's last Canberra T4 took place at Marham on 1st September 2005.
Camberras Were Everywhere.
The RAF had 62 Canberra squadrons over the aircraft's time in service as well as numerous "Flights" and "Sections". So you may have come across them during your RAF service! Tell me about it. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who has any stories about this aircraft; humorous, technical or historical.
Please use the Feedback Form to contact me briefly, in the first instance.
Joe Bosher (74th).