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RAF Canberra Units of the Cold War

By: Osprey

Type: Softcover

Product Line: Combat Aircraft - Bombers

Last Stocked on 8/20/2020

Product Info

Title
RAF Canberra Units of the Cold War
Publisher
Category
Author
Andrew Brookes
Publish Year
2014
Pages
96
Dimensions
7.5x10x.25"
NKG Part #
2147551741
MFG. Part #
OSPCOM105
Type
Softcover
Series
COM105

Description

From its first public demonstration at the Farnborough Airshow of 1949, the English Electric Canberra bomber captured the attention of the aviation world. It could outmaneuver all the fighters of the time and it could climb way above their operating ceilings. Yet this Cold War equivalent of the Mosquito was simple to maintain and a delight to fly, although it could bite any pilot who did not treat it with respect.

The Canberra B 2 first flew on 21 April 1950 and entered frontline service with No 101 Sqn in May 1951. In a testament to the aircraft's benign handling characteristics, the transition program consisted of only 20 hours in the Gloster Meteor and three hours in the dual-control Canberra trainer. With a maximum speed of 470 knots (871 km/h), a standard service ceiling of 48,000 ft (14,600 m) and the ability to carry a 3.6-tonne (7,900-lb) payload, the Canberra was an instant success.