Canberra
Jets45 Histories

English Electric Canberra

    Bomber
The first Prototype VN799

Specifications for B-2
    Engine: 2x Avon 109 axial-flow turbojets making 7,500 lb thrust
    Wing Span: 63' 11½''
    Length: 65' 6''
    Height: 15' 7''
    Weight: Empty 25,598 lb / Loaded 46,000 lb
    Maximum Speed: 570 mph
    Ceiling: 48,000'
    Range: 2,660 miles
    Crew: 3
    Armament: 6.000 lb bombs internally & 2,000 lb bombs under wings
History:
The 2nd Prototype in 1949

In 1944, The Ministry of Aircraft Procurement issued a specification for design concepts for a fast, high-altitude, jet-powered medium bomber to replace the Mosquito out of which would come the "Canberra". The initially design by English Electric envisaged a single engined, straight winged bomber with a circular cross-section , this was soon changed to an aircraft with the engines mounted at the wing roots was considered but in the end wing-mounted engines was through the best

 

Designed to Specification B.3/45 by a English Electric team led by William Edward Willoughby Petter. After a number of design changes a contract was issued on the 7/01/46 by the Ministry of Aircraft Production for four prototypes, with a bomb load of 10.000 lb the aircraft was to have no defensive armament relying on it's high speed to evade interception, so only a crew of two was needed (a pilot and navigator/radar operator who was to use the radar bombing system). Work on the first aircraft called the A-1 started soon after. By 1947 the radar bombing system was seriously behind scheduled and the specification was revised (B.5/47) now requiring a visual bombing system and a third crew member, with a move from Preston to Warton the assembly of the first prototype was delayed it's first flight being made on the 13/04/49. The Canberra would go on to be one of the most successful aircraft to come out of the British aircraft industry in the post war era.
Still in service with the RAF in the 21st Century the P.R.-9
eXTReMe Tracker