The Lancaster
Lancaster A4-K2 serial no LL693 was one of 450 Lancasters ordered from Vickers Armstrong aircraft in April 1942, built as a Mk2 with Hercules XVI engines. It was delivered to 115 Squadron in Witchford In late February 1944.
| Sir W.G. Armstong Whitworth Aircraft Ltd., Whitley, Coventry |
| Avro Type 683 Lancaster Mk.II |
| LL617-LL653, LL66-LL704 and LL716-LL739 |
| Part of the second production batch of 100 aircraft built by Sir W.G. Armstong Whitworth Aircraft Ltd., as the second part of Contract No. 239/SAS/C4(C). All powered by Bristol Hercules XVI radial engines. Deliveries commenced 10-43; completed 3-44 (average rate of production slightly over 4 aircraft per week). |
| Lancaster A4-K2 was destroyed on 15th March 1944 having flown a mere 26 hours, on it's first operation. |
The Lancaster was.......
"A superb heavy bomber, the Lancaster is one of the classic heavy bombers of the Second World War. It was extremely robust and had the largest bomb bay of any aircraft in World War II."
Renald Fortier, Curator of Aviation History, The National Aviation Museum
The Lancaster was, without a doubt, the most famous British bomber of World War II. Manufactured by A.V. Roe & Co. in wartime England and Canada, the Lancaster or "Lanc" was a replacement for the unreliable and under-powered Avro Manchester that finally ceased production in 1941. But the Lancaster suffered none of its predecessor's faults.
Designed by Roy Chadwick, A.V. Roe's chief designer, the Lancaster was to become the backbone of the British Bomber Command. As such, the dependable four-engine aircraft was known for its relative speed and high ceiling, and more impressively, for its ability to carry enormous loads for its size. And, while the Lancaster was somewhat vulnerable to enemy fire, it soon garnered a reputation for its amazing durability nonetheless.
The bomber was so successful in its role that it took part in almost every major bombing raid of Europe from mid-1942 until the end of the war. But the Lancaster wasn't only successful in it missions, it was also a hit with its seven-man crews for despite being noisy, drafty and less than luxurious on long hauls, its strength and reliability outshone any shortcomings. It was also a "delight to fly".
Courtesy of:-
http://exn.ca/FlightDeck/Aircraft/hangar2.cfm?StoryName=Avro%20Lancaster%20X