The English Electric Canberra was a twin-engine bomber used by the British Royal Air Force during the Cold War. Not only could it fly as fast as contemporary fighters but it was also as agile as them. During its very long career, it took part in many armed conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where the Royal Australian Air Force used the type alongside US Air Force aircraft on bombing raids. The Argentinean Air Force also used this bomber during the 1955 coup d'etat which overthrew President Juan D. Peron, and the 1982 Falklands War in ground-attack missions against British troops.
Designed by William Eduard W. Petter, the prototype of the Canberra, the VN799, first flew on May 13, 1949. It was flown by English Electric Company's chief test pilot R. P. Beamont. It was introduced on May 25, 1951, as the B Mk 2 version. A total of 1,352 bombers would be produced in many variants. About 400 would be built in the USA under license, entering service with the USAF as the Martin B-57, which was used in Vietnam. Also a photo-reconnaissance version model was also produced, identified with the letters PR.
Below, the Canberra in flight as it banks right. This bomber was very maneuverable due to its straight wing design, with a large area.
Technical Description
The English Electric Canberra was a twin-engine, medium-size, mid-wing monoplane, carrying a crew of 3 men. The all-metal fuselage was of semi-monocoque construction, with the fore portion containing the cockpit being pressurized. The upper center fuselage held three fuel tanks, while the lower part contained the bomb-bay. The tail portion was of standard pattern, with variable incidence tailplane.
The Canberra B Mk 2 version was powered by two Rolls-Royce Avon Mk1/RA3 jet engines, which were mounted in the wings. Each engine could generate 6,500 pounds of thrust. Internal fuel was usually augmented by additional tanks attached to the underside of wing tips. Thus, it had an exceptional long range (5,000 km). The landing gear was retractable, folding up into wings.
Specifications (B. Mk 6)
Type: bomber
Length: 19.96 m ( 65 feet, 6 inches)
Wing Span: 19.51 m (64 feet)
Wing Area: 89.19 m2 (960 square feet)
Height: 4.75 m (15 feet, 7 inches)
Power Plant: two 7,500-lb-thrust, Rolls-Royce Avon Mk 109 turbojet engines.
Maximum Speed: 871 km/h (541 mph)
Range: 5,842 km (3,630 miles)
Service Ceiling: 14,630 m (48,000 feet)
Crew: 3
Armament: nine 454-kg (1,000-lb) bombs in bomb-bay; two 454-kg bombs on wing pylon.
Below, the English Electric Canberra prototype VN799 in flight
The phto-reconnaissance version equipped with F52 oblique cameras and various types of sensors.
Below, the Martin B-57, which was the American variant of the Canberra made in the USA under license.
