Origin:
A V Roe Ltd; also Armstrong Whitworth, Austin Motors, Metropolitan - Vickers and Vickers Armstrong UK.

Type:
Long range heavy bomber with a crew of seven.

Engines:
Mk I: Four 1,460hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 20 or 22 vee-12 liquid cooled.

Mk III: Four 1,460hp Packard built Rolls-Royce Merlin 20 or 22 vee-12 liquid cooled.

Dimensions:
Span 102ft 0in (31.10m); length 69ft 4in (21.10m); height 19ft 7in (5.97m).

Weight:
Empty 36,900lb (16,705kg); loaded 68,000lb (30,800kg)

Performance:
Maximum speed 287mph (462km/h) at 11,500ft (3,500m); cruising speed 210mph (338km/h); climb at maximum weight to 20,000ft (6095m) 41 minutes; service ceiling 24,500ft (7467m) range with 14,000lb(6350kg) bombs 1,660miles (2675km).

Armament:
Frazer Nash turrets situated at the front and dorsal positions each with two 0.303in Browning machine guns. Frazer Nash turret at rear with four 0.303in machine guns.

Bomb load up to 14,000lb (6350kg) internally.

History:
Based on the unsuccessful Avro Manchester the Lancaster was first flown on the 9th January 1941. It was clearly a winner from the start and was without doubt the most effective heavy bomber in service in the European Theatre of operations during WW2. The Lancaster handled well without vices and was immensely strong. It was capable of carrying a heavier bomb load than any other bomber at that time and had good range.

103 Squadron was equipped with Lancasters from November 1942 until the Squadron disbanded in November 1945. 576 Squadron was equipped with Lancasters from its inception in November 1943 until it was disbanded in September 1945.

Whilst equipped with the Lancaster 103 Squadron flew 317 bombing operations and 27 minelaying operations detailing 4536 sorties for the loss of 158 aircraft on operations, including those that crashed in the UK on departure or return. In addition seven aircraft were lost on non-operational flights and one in a ground accident.

Whilst equipped with the Lancaster 576 Squadron flew 189 bombing operations and two minelaying operations detailing 2788 sorties for the loss of 75 aircraft on operations, including those that crashed in the UK on departure or return. One other aircraft was lost on a training flight.

The Battle of Britain Flight Lancaster pictured in the markings of 103 Sq Lancaster PM-M squared.

Lancaster PM-B W4333 at its dispersal at Elsham Wolds. This aircraft was lost on the 4th March 1943 when it crashed during a training flight killing the pilot, F/O Kujundzic.

Back to the Aircraft or click here for more Lancaster photos