Lancaster (Total: 7,377, Canadian: 121, Group 121)

Avro Lancaster

Avro Lancaster Mk. X RCAF Serial FM 213
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The Avro Lancaster is a British Second World War heavy bomber. It was designed and manufactured by Avro as a contemporary of the Handley Page Halifax, both bombers having been developed to the same specification, as well as the Short Stirling, all three aircraft being four-engined heavy bombers adopted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the same wartime era.

The Lancaster has its origins in the twin-engine Avro Manchester which had been developed during the late 1930s in response to the Air Ministry Specification P.13/36 for a capable medium bomber for "world-wide use". Originally developed as an evolution of the Manchester (which had proved troublesome in service and was retired in 1942), the Lancaster was designed by Roy Chadwick and powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlins and in one version, Bristol Hercules engines. It first saw service with RAF Bomber Command in 1942 and as the strategic bombing offensive over Europe gathered momentum, it was the main aircraft for the night-time bombing campaigns that followed. As increasing numbers of the type were produced, it became the principal heavy bomber used by the RAF, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and squadrons from other Commonwealth and European countries serving within the RAF, overshadowing the Halifax and Stirling. Wikipedia

YouTube Lancaster Bomber

Wikipedia

unvetted Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA500

s/n RA500

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 500

Merlin

Known Units: 103 Sqn

Delivered to No. 103 Sqn (PM-N) Jan 1945. It suffered some damage 29 Jan 1945 and was lost on an operation to Dassau 7/8 Mar 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

1945-March-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Edwin Nightingale 2021-08-17

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA501

s/n RA501

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 501

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA502

s/n RA502

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 502

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA503

s/n RA503

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 503

Merlin

Known Units: 550 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA504

s/n RA504

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 504

Merlin

Known Units: 424 Sqn;424 Sqn

Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded QB*B and "QB*M". Crashed on take-off at Colerne on 27 November 1944, when it swung and struck a dispersal pen.
last update: 2025-July-30

1944-November-27 Accident Crash crashed on take-off Colerne 2019-08-20

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA505

s/n RA505

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 505

Merlin

Known Units: 433 Sqn

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*K and BM*R.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA506

s/n RA506

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 506

Merlin

Known Units:

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*O.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA507

s/n RA507

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 507

Merlin

Known Units: 424 Sqn

Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded QB*S.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA508

s/n RA508

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 508

Merlin

Known Units: ;106

last update: 2025-August-13

1945-March-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Hunter Gillender 2021-08-07

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA509

s/n RA509

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 509

Merlin

Known Units: 433 Sqn

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*P.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA510

s/n RA510

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 510

Merlin

Known Units: 75 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA511

s/n RA511

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 511

Merlin

Known Units: 433 Sqn

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*Q.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA512

s/n RA512

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 512

Merlin

Known Units: 433 Sqn

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*S. Used on operations in 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA513

s/n RA513

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 513

Merlin

Known Units: 433 Sqn

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*Y".
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA514

s/n RA514

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 514

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA515

s/n RA515

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 515

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA516

s/n RA516

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 516

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA517

s/n RA517

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 517

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA518

s/n RA518

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 518

Merlin

Known Units: 227 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA519

s/n RA519

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 519

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA520

s/n RA520

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 520

Merlin

Known Units: 630 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA521

s/n RA521

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 521

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA522

s/n RA522

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 522

Merlin

Known Units: 218 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA523

s/n RA523

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 523

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn

Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (SR-I) Feb 1945. Missing on operation to Pforzheim 2/23 Feb 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Jack Kingswood Balcombe 2024-11-05

1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Ralph Boyd 2023-11-18

1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Ralph Fletcher 2024-12-04

1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Norman William Ingeberg 2023-11-18

1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Leo Francis Kennedy 2024-12-04

1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant W A McLenaghan 2024-12-04

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA524

s/n RA524

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 524

Merlin

Known Units: 460 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA525

s/n RA525

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 525

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA526

s/n RA526

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 526

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA527

s/n RA527

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 527

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA528

s/n RA528

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 528

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA529

s/n RA529

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 529

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA530

s/n RA530

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 530

Merlin

Known Units: 57 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA531

s/n RA531

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 531

Merlin

Known Units: 49 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA532

s/n RA532

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 532

Merlin

Known Units: 218 Sqn;218 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA533

s/n RA533

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 533

Merlin

Known Units: 189 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA534

s/n RA534

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 534

Merlin

Known Units: 427 Sqn

Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*A". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.
last update: 2025-July-30

1947-May-07 Struck off Strength Struck off, in the UK. 2019-08-20

s/n RA540

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 540

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA541

s/n RA541

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 541

Merlin

Known Units: 514 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA542

s/n RA542

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 542

Merlin

Known Units: 463 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA543

s/n RA543

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 543

Merlin

Known Units: 15 Sqn;626 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA544

s/n RA544

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 544

Merlin

Known Units: 153 Sqn

To No. 150 Sqn then to No. 153 Sqn Mar 1945. Missing on mining sortie 4/5 Apr 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

1945-April-04 KIA RAF Wing Commander Francis Sidney Powley DFC, AFC 2021-08-12

s/n RA560

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 560

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA561

s/n RA561

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 561

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA562

s/n RA562

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 562

Merlin

Known Units: 576 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA563

s/n RA563

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 563

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA564

s/n RA564

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 564

Merlin

Known Units: 75 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA565

s/n RA565

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 565

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA566

s/n RA566

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 566

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA567

s/n RA567

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 567

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA568

s/n RA568

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 568

Merlin

Known Units: 189 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA569

s/n RA569

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 569

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA570

s/n RA570

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 570

Merlin

Known Units: 186 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA571

s/n RA571

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 571

Merlin

Known Units: 429 Sqn

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*D". Used on operations, 1945. Crashed on 5 November 1945 at Beamsley Beacon, Yorkshire. Entered bad weather during cross country training flight, struck high gorund. 4 killed, 4 survivors.
last update: 2025-July-30

1945-November-05 Accident Crash Crashed, after return to RAF? 2019-08-20

1945-November-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Fred Conley 2024-03-25

1945-November-05 KIA RCAF Corporal William John Ellis 2022-01-31

1945-November-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Wallace Ewing Lang 2020-12-11

1945-November-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arnold Emerson Stinson 2020-12-11

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA572

s/n RA572

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 572

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA573

s/n RA573

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 573

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA574

s/n RA574

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 574

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA575

s/n RA575

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 575

Merlin

Known Units: 170 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA576

s/n RA576

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 576

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA577

s/n RA577

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 577

Merlin

Known Units: 218 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA578

s/n RA578

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 578

Merlin

Known Units:

Operated by No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA579

s/n RA579

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 579

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA580

s/n RA580

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 580

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA581

s/n RA581

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 581

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA582

s/n RA582

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 582

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA583

s/n RA583

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 583

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA584

s/n RA584

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 584

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA585

s/n RA585

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 585

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA586

s/n RA586

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 586

Merlin

Known Units: 150 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA587

s/n RA587

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 587

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA588

s/n RA588

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 588

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA589

s/n RA589

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 589

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA590

s/n RA590

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 590

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA591

s/n RA591

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 591

Merlin

Known Units: 50 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA592

s/n RA592

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 592

Merlin

Known Units: 100 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA593

s/n RA593

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 593

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA594

s/n RA594

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 594

Merlin

Known Units: 576 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA595

s/n RA595

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 595

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA596

s/n RA596

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 596

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA597

s/n RA597

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 597

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA598

s/n RA598

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 598

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA599

s/n RA599

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 599

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA600

s/n RA600

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 600

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA601

s/n RA601

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 601

Merlin

Known Units: 97 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA602

s/n RA602

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 602

Merlin

Known Units: 97 Sqn;97 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA603

s/n RA603

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 603

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA604

s/n RA604

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 604

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA605

s/n RA605

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 605

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA606

s/n RA606

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 606

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA607

s/n RA607

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 607

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA623

s/n RA623

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 623

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA624

s/n RA624

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 624

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA625

s/n RA625

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 625

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA626

s/n RA626

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 626

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA627

s/n RA627

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 627

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA787

s/n RA787

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 787

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA788

s/n RA788

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 788

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA789

s/n RA789

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 789

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA790

s/n RA790

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 790

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA791

s/n RA791

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 791

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA792

s/n RA792

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 792

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA793

s/n RA793

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 793

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA794

s/n RA794

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 794

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA795

s/n RA795

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 795

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA796

s/n RA796

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 796

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA797

s/n RA797

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 797

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA798

s/n RA798

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 798

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA799

s/n RA799

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 799

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA800

s/n RA800

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 800

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA801

s/n RA801

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 801

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA802

s/n RA802

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 802

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA803

s/n RA803

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 803

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA804

s/n RA804

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 804

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA805

s/n RA805

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 805

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA806

s/n RA806

m/d 683

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 806

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Serial Range (clickable)	Count	Manufacturer	Location
L7527-L7584	43	Avro	Manchester UK
R5482-R5917	257	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
W4102-W5012	407	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
BT308-BT308	1	Avro	Manchester UK
DG595-DG595	1	Avro	Manchester UK
DS601-DS852	200	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
DT810-DT810	1	Avro	Manchester UK
DV155-DV407	200	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
ED303-ED999	537	Avro	Manchester UK
EE105-EE202	83	Avro	Manchester UK
FM100-FM229	130	Victory Aircraft	Malton CA
HK535-HK806	200	Vickers-Armstrongs	Castle Bromwich UK
JA672-JA981	156	Avro	Manchester UK
JB113-JB748	394	Avro	Manchester UK
KB700-KB999	300	Victory Aircraft	Malton CA
LL617-LL977	291	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
LM100-LM756	509	Avro	Yeadon UK
ME295-ME868	450	Avro	Yeadon UK
ND324-ND996	541	Avro	Manchester UK
NE112-NE181	59	Avro	Manchester UK
NF906-NF999	82	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
NG113-NG503	318	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
NN694-NN816	100	Austin Motors	Longbridge UK
NX548-NX794	200	Austin Motors	Longbridge UK
PA158-PA999	271	Vickers-Armstrongs	Chester UK
PB112-PB998	691	Avro	Manchester UK
PD112-PD444	228	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
PP663-PP792	100	Vickers-Armstrongs	Castle Bromwich UK
RA500-RA806	121	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
RE115-RE226	87	Avro	Yeadon UK
RF120-RF326	170	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
RT670-RT699	30	Austin Motors	Longbridge UK
SW243-SW377	118	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
TW647-TW929	90	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
TX263-TX273	11	Avro	Yeadon UK
Total ....	7,377

Click to open:

Avro Type 683 Lancaster

General Characteristics
Crew:	7 (typical)
Length:	69 ft 6 in (21.18 m)
Wingspan:	102 ft 0 in (31.09 m)
Height:	20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
Wing area:	1,300 sq ft (120 m2)
Aerofoil:	Root: NACA 23018. Tip: NACA 23012
Empty weight:	36,900 lb (16,738 kg)
Max takeoff weight:	72,000 lb (32,657 kg)
Fuel capacity:	2,154 imp gal (9,792 L)

Powerplants:	Lancaster Mk.I, III, VI, VII & X: 4 x Rolls-Royce, Packard or Ford UK built Merlin XX, 22, 24, 28, 85 or 224 liquid-cooled V-12 piston engines with power output between 1,280 hp (954 kW) and 1,635 hp (1,219 kW) each Lancaster Mk.II: 4 x Bristol Hercules Mk.VI or XVI air-cooled 14-cylinder radial piston engines with power output of 1,615 hp (1,204 kW) each

Propellers:	Lancaster Mk.I, III, VI, VII & X: 3-bladed de Havilland, Hamilton Standard or Nash Kelvinator Hydromatic constant-speed fully feathering metal bladed propellers, 13 ft (3.96 m) diameter Lancaster Mk.II: Rotol electric constant-speed fully feathering wooden bladed propellers, 13 ft (3.96 m) diameter
Performance:
Maximum speed:	Lancaster Mk.I, II, III, VII & X: 287 mph (461 km/h) Lancaster Mk.VI: 315 mph (507 km/h) Cruising speed: 207 mph (333 km/h) Range: 2,530 mi (4,073 km) Service ceiling: 23,500 ft (7,162 m)
Armament:
Standard:	Two 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mark II machine guns in: Nash and Thompson FN5 nose and FN50/150 mid-upper turrets, four 0.303-inch Browning Mark II machine guns in Nash and Thompson FN20/120/121 rear turret

Alternative/additional:	Nash and Thompson FN64 ventral turret with two 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mark II machine guns Glenn Martin 250CE electrically operated mid-upper turret with two 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine guns (Lancaster Mk.VII and late production Lancaster Mk. X only) Nash and Thompson FN82 rear turret with two 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine guns (Lancaster Mk.VII &late production Lancaster Mk.I only) Rose Brothers Type R rear turret with two 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine guns (late production Lancaster Mk.I & III only) Ventral 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mk.II machine gun in a free mount (Lancaster Type 464 only) Ventral 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine gun in a free mount ARI 5559 A.G.L.T. 'Village Inn' Mk.I: Radar guided gun laying system (incorporating Infrared IFF recognition system) fitted to FN121 rear turret with four 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mark II machine guns

Bomb loads:	Typical: 14,000 lb (6,350 kg) consisting of varying combinations of 2,000 lb AP, 2,000 lb HC, 4,000 lb HC, 8,000 lb HC, 250 lb, 500 lb, 1,000 lb bombs, or various sizes of incendiary bombs installed in Small Bomb Containers or Cluster Projectiles 1 x 12,000lb (5,443 kg) HC bomb 6 x 1,850 lb (839 kg) Parachute Anti-Shipping Mines Specialized: 1 x 5,500 lb (2,494 kg) Capital Ship Bomb 12 x 500 lb (226 kg) JW 'Johnny Walker' Oscillating Mine 1 x 9,250 lb (4,195 kg) Vickers-Armstrongs Type 464 'Upkeep' revolving depth charge 1 x 12,000lb (5,443 kg) MC Vickers-Armstrongs 'Tallboy' deep penetration bomb 1 x 22,000 lb (9,979 kg) MC Vickers-Armstrongs 'Grand Slam' deep penetration bomb

Communication and navigation equipment:	TR9F: HF R/T radio transceiver TR1196: HF R/T radio transceiver TR1143/SCR522: VHF R/T radio transceiver T1154: Medium and High frequency W/T transmitter R1155: Medium and High frequency W/T & direction finding receiver ARI 5033/5083 GEE Mk.I/II: Radio navigation system ARI 5560/5564 H2S Mk.II/III: Radar navigation/target finding system TR3190/3160 Lucero Mk.I & II: H2S adapter to permit interrogation of radar navigation beacons, Eureka beacons & IFF ARI 5525/5597 GEE-H Mk.I/II: Radio navigation/target finding system AN/APN-4 LORAN: Long range radio navigation system ARI 5148/5514/5582 Oboe Mk.I & II: Radar bomb aiming system AN/AP1 (AYD): Low range radar altimeter SCR-718-C: High range radar altimeter Lorenz Standard Beam Approach: Runway blind approach system

Radio Countermeasures:	ARI 5000/5025/5640 IFF Mk.II & III: Friend or Foe radar identification system ARI 5171/5625/5672/5769 Mandrel: Freya and Wurzburg radar jamming system ARI 5538/5557 Boozer Mk.I & II: Passive radar warning receiver ARI 5122/5281 Monica Mk.I, III & V ('Lulu'): Active tail warning radar Fishpond: Fighter warning radar add-on to H2S Monica-Fishpond ('Fishcake'): Hybrid tail warning radar Tinsel/Special Tinsel: Night fighter radio control jamming system TR3549 Airborne Cigar (ABC): Night fighter radio control jamming system ARI 5549 Carpet II: Wurzburg radar jamming system

Coming Soon!

Ventral Turrets

{{storedairimage,ventralturret.jpeg,float:right;width:400px;margin-left:10px;,Orginal Ventral Turret. Discontinued early.}}

As originally designed the Lancaster was provided with ventral defence in the form of a Nash and Thompson FN64 turret, which was fitted to some early production aircraft. However, in common with all other periscope sighted ventral turrets, the narrow viewing angle made it almost impossible for gunners to acquire and track targets, and the few turrets which were installed were soon removed from service.

{{storedairimage,2_DS707_7-6-44.jpg,width:400px;,Note: 50 cal gun pointing at 45°}}
{{storedairorigimage,Mod_925ventral50calMG-1.jpg,width:400px;,Original Drawings. Right click for larger view.}}
{{storedairimage,3 _W4766.jpg,width:400px;,W4766 from 61 Squadron}}

The ventral .50 inch (50 calib) was approved as Lanc Mod.925 during February 1944, and was one of a number of unsuccessful measures taken to counter night fighter attacks from below.

The growth of the Luftwaffe night fighter force was followed by an increase in the in the number of attacks from below, exacerbated from August 1943 onward by the introduction of aircraft equipped with Schrage Musik upward firing 20mm cannon. A number of responses were considered by Bomber Command including a free mounted ventral .50 calibre Browning machine gun, which was approved on the Lancaster as Modification 925 during February 1944.

The modification was very basic, consisting of little more than an enlarged bicycle seat for the gunner and a simple free mounted gun with open sights which fired through the ventral turret/H2S aperture. On aircraft with bulged bomb doors the mounting (often unpainted) was incorporated into the fairing at the rear of the doors.

Non-H2S fitted aircraft were sporadically equipped with the gun from February 1944 onward, although a clear plan for installation appears to have been lacking. The quantity of aircraft which actually had the gun installed is unknown and photos of the mounting with a Browning actually installed are very rare.

Serious problems quickly became apparent, as noted in the following V Group monthly newsletter for April 1944:- "With the gunner strapped in his seat it is difficult to follow the gun round on the beam; it is difficult for the gunner to get his head down behind the sight as it tends to push the oxygen mask upwards on the gunners face; and also considerable vibration is experienced on the sight when the gun is fired."

These problems, plus the gradually more widespread introduction of H2S saw the gun fall out of use quite quickly, although it does appear to have been retained on some aircraft until war's end (most notably in 3 Group).

The quantity of aircraft which actually had the gun installed is unknown and photos of the mounting with a Browning actually installed are very rare.

{{clearfloat}} {{storedairorigimage,75SqnORBextractMarch1945.jpg,float:right;width:400px;margin-left:10px;,75 Squadron ORB March 1945}}

Notice on these aircraft the extra position in the eight person crew of Mid-Under-Gunner.

CASPIR Resources

External Resources

Avro Lancaster Serial Groups Specifications

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA500

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA501

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA502

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA503

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA504

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA505

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA506

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA507

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA508

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA509

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA510

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA511

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA512

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA513

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA514

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA515

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA516

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA517

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA518

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA519

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA520

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA521

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA522

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA523

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA524

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA525

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA526

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA527

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA528

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA529

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA530

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA531

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA532

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA533

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA534

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA535

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA536

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA537

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA538

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA539

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA540

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA541

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA542

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA543

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA544

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA545

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA546

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA547

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA560

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA561

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA562

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA563

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA564

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA565

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA566

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA567

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA568

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA569

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA570

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA571

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA572

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA573

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA574

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA575

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA576

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA577

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA578

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA579

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA580

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA581

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA582

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA583

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA584

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA585

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA586

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA587

Lancaster Mk.I serial RA588

Avro Lancaster