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

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Lancaster RA500, Mk.I

s/n RA500

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 500

Merlin

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-February-05

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

Lancaster RA501, Mk.I

s/n RA501

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 501

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA502, Mk.I

s/n RA502

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 502

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA503, Mk.I

s/n RA503

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 503

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA504, Mk.I

s/n RA504

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 504

Merlin

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-February-05

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

Lancaster RA505, Mk.I

s/n RA505

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 505

Merlin

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*K and BM*R.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RA506, Mk.I

s/n RA506

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 506

Merlin

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*O.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RA507, Mk.I

s/n RA507

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 507

Merlin

Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded QB*S.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RA508, Mk.I

s/n RA508

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 508

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

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

Lancaster RA509, Mk.I

s/n RA509

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 509

Merlin

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*P.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RA510, Mk.I

s/n RA510

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 510

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA511, Mk.I

s/n RA511

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 511

Merlin

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*Q.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RA512, Mk.I

s/n RA512

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 512

Merlin

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*S. Used on operations in 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RA513, Mk.I

s/n RA513

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 513

Merlin

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*Y".
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RA514, Mk.I

s/n RA514

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 514

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA515, Mk.I

s/n RA515

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 515

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA516, Mk.I

s/n RA516

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 516

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA517, Mk.I

s/n RA517

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 517

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA518, Mk.I

s/n RA518

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 518

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA519, Mk.I

s/n RA519

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 519

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA520, Mk.I

s/n RA520

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 520

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA521, Mk.I

s/n RA521

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 521

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA522, Mk.I

s/n RA522

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 522

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA523, Mk.I

s/n RA523

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 523

Merlin

Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (SR-I) Feb 1945. Missing on operation to Pforzheim 2/23 Feb 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

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 RA524, Mk.I

s/n RA524

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 524

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA525, Mk.I

s/n RA525

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 525

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA526, Mk.I

s/n RA526

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 526

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA527, Mk.I

s/n RA527

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 527

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA528, Mk.I

s/n RA528

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 528

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA529, Mk.I

s/n RA529

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 529

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA530, Mk.I

s/n RA530

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 530

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA531, Mk.I

s/n RA531

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 531

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA532, Mk.I

s/n RA532

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 532

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA533, Mk.I

s/n RA533

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 533

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA534, Mk.I

s/n RA534

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 534

Merlin

Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*A". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.
last update: 2025-February-05

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

Lancaster RA535, Mk.I

s/n RA535

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 535

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA536, Mk.I

s/n RA536

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 536

Merlin

Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*N". Named "Natch". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.
last update: 2025-February-05

1947-June-17 Struck off Strength Struck off in the UK. 2019-08-20

Lancaster RA537, Mk.I

s/n RA537

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 537

Merlin

Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*P". Named "Fightin Pappy". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.
last update: 2025-February-05

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

Lancaster RA538, Mk.I

s/n RA538

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 538

Merlin

Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*P" (or ZL*B?). Survived the war, returned to the RAF.
last update: 2025-February-05

1947-May-31 Struck off Strength struck off in the UK 2019-08-20

Lancaster RA539, Mk.I

s/n RA539

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 539

Merlin

Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*O". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.
last update: 2025-February-05

1946-May-26 Struck off Strength struck off in the UK 2019-08-20

Lancaster RA540, Mk.I

s/n RA540

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 540

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA541, Mk.I

s/n RA541

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 541

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA542, Mk.I

s/n RA542

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 542

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA543, Mk.I

s/n RA543

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 543

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA544, Mk.I

s/n RA544

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 544

Merlin

To No. 150 Sqn then to No. 153 Sqn Mar 1945. Missing on mining sortie 4/5 Apr 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

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

Lancaster RA545, Mk.I

s/n RA545

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 545

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA546, Mk.I

s/n RA546

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 546

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1945-March-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class William Andrew Johnson 2024-06-01

Lancaster RA547, Mk.I

s/n RA547

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 547

Merlin

Per 550 Squadron Association records:
SOC 03 Sept 1947.
RA547 sustained 7 hits by 20mm calibre ammo following fighter attack (TBC) on Nuernburg raid of 16/17 Mar 1945.
Landed at Manston with the R/AG seriously wounded.
last update: 2025-February-05

1945-March-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Walter John Klementoski 2021-08-12

Lancaster RA560, Mk.I

s/n RA560

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 560

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA561, Mk.I

s/n RA561

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 561

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA562, Mk.I

s/n RA562

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 562

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA563, Mk.I

s/n RA563

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 563

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA564, Mk.I

s/n RA564

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 564

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA565, Mk.I

s/n RA565

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 565

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA566, Mk.I

s/n RA566

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 566

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA567, Mk.I

s/n RA567

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 567

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA568, Mk.I

s/n RA568

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 568

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA569, Mk.I

s/n RA569

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 569

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA570, Mk.I

s/n RA570

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 570

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA571, Mk.I

s/n RA571

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 571

Merlin

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-February-05

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 RA572, Mk.I

s/n RA572

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 572

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA573, Mk.I

s/n RA573

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 573

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA574, Mk.I

s/n RA574

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 574

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA575, Mk.I

s/n RA575

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 575

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA576, Mk.I

s/n RA576

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 576

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA577, Mk.I

s/n RA577

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 577

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA578, Mk.I

s/n RA578

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 578

Merlin

Operated by No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RA579, Mk.I

s/n RA579

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 579

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA580, Mk.I

s/n RA580

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 580

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA581, Mk.I

s/n RA581

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 581

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA582, Mk.I

s/n RA582

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 582

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA583, Mk.I

s/n RA583

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 583

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA584, Mk.I

s/n RA584

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 584

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA585, Mk.I

s/n RA585

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 585

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA586, Mk.I

s/n RA586

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 586

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA587, Mk.I

s/n RA587

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 587

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA588, Mk.I

s/n RA588

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 588

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA589, Mk.I

s/n RA589

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 589

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA590, Mk.I

s/n RA590

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 590

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA591, Mk.I

s/n RA591

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 591

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA592, Mk.I

s/n RA592

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 592

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA593, Mk.I

s/n RA593

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 593

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA594, Mk.I

s/n RA594

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 594

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA595, Mk.I

s/n RA595

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 595

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA596, Mk.I

s/n RA596

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 596

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA597, Mk.I

s/n RA597

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 597

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA598, Mk.I

s/n RA598

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 598

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA599, Mk.I

s/n RA599

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 599

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA600, Mk.I

s/n RA600

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 600

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA601, Mk.I

s/n RA601

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 601

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA602, Mk.I

s/n RA602

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 602

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA603, Mk.I

s/n RA603

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 603

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA604, Mk.I

s/n RA604

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 604

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA605, Mk.I

s/n RA605

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 605

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA606, Mk.I

s/n RA606

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 606

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA607, Mk.I

s/n RA607

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 607

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA623, Mk.I

s/n RA623

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 623

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA624, Mk.I

s/n RA624

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 624

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA625, Mk.I

s/n RA625

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 625

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA626, Mk.I

s/n RA626

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 626

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA627, Mk.I

s/n RA627

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 627

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA787, Mk.I

s/n RA787

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 787

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA788, Mk.I

s/n RA788

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 788

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA789, Mk.I

s/n RA789

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 789

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA790, Mk.I

s/n RA790

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 790

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA791, Mk.I

s/n RA791

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 791

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA792, Mk.I

s/n RA792

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 792

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA793, Mk.I

s/n RA793

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 793

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA794, Mk.I

s/n RA794

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 794

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA795, Mk.I

s/n RA795

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 795

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA796, Mk.I

s/n RA796

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 796

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA797, Mk.I

s/n RA797

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 797

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA798, Mk.I

s/n RA798

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 798

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA799, Mk.I

s/n RA799

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 799

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA800, Mk.I

s/n RA800

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 800

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA801, Mk.I

s/n RA801

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 801

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA802, Mk.I

s/n RA802

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 802

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA803, Mk.I

s/n RA803

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 803

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA804, Mk.I

s/n RA804

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 804

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA805, Mk.I

s/n RA805

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 805

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster RA806, Mk.I

s/n RA806

Metropolitan-Vickers

RA 806

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

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

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.

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.

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 RA500, Mk.I

Lancaster RA501, Mk.I

Lancaster RA502, Mk.I

Lancaster RA503, Mk.I

Lancaster RA504, Mk.I

Lancaster RA505, Mk.I

Lancaster RA506, Mk.I

Lancaster RA507, Mk.I

Lancaster RA508, Mk.I

Lancaster RA509, Mk.I

Lancaster RA510, Mk.I

Lancaster RA511, Mk.I

Lancaster RA512, Mk.I

Lancaster RA513, Mk.I

Lancaster RA514, Mk.I

Lancaster RA515, Mk.I

Lancaster RA516, Mk.I

Lancaster RA517, Mk.I

Lancaster RA518, Mk.I

Lancaster RA519, Mk.I

Lancaster RA520, Mk.I

Lancaster RA521, Mk.I

Lancaster RA522, Mk.I

Lancaster RA523, Mk.I

Lancaster RA524, Mk.I

Lancaster RA525, Mk.I

Lancaster RA526, Mk.I

Lancaster RA527, Mk.I

Lancaster RA528, Mk.I

Lancaster RA529, Mk.I

Lancaster RA530, Mk.I

Lancaster RA531, Mk.I

Lancaster RA532, Mk.I

Lancaster RA533, Mk.I

Lancaster RA534, Mk.I

Lancaster RA535, Mk.I

Lancaster RA536, Mk.I

Lancaster RA537, Mk.I

Lancaster RA538, Mk.I

Lancaster RA539, Mk.I

Lancaster RA540, Mk.I

Lancaster RA541, Mk.I

Lancaster RA542, Mk.I

Lancaster RA543, Mk.I

Lancaster RA544, Mk.I

Lancaster RA545, Mk.I

Lancaster RA546, Mk.I

Lancaster RA547, Mk.I

Lancaster RA560, Mk.I

Lancaster RA561, Mk.I

Lancaster RA562, Mk.I

Lancaster RA563, Mk.I

Lancaster RA564, Mk.I

Lancaster RA565, Mk.I

Lancaster RA566, Mk.I

Lancaster RA567, Mk.I

Lancaster RA568, Mk.I

Lancaster RA569, Mk.I

Lancaster RA570, Mk.I

Lancaster RA571, Mk.I

Lancaster RA572, Mk.I

Lancaster RA573, Mk.I

Lancaster RA574, Mk.I

Lancaster RA575, Mk.I

Lancaster RA576, Mk.I

Lancaster RA577, Mk.I

Lancaster RA578, Mk.I

Lancaster RA579, Mk.I

Lancaster RA580, Mk.I

Lancaster RA581, Mk.I

Lancaster RA582, Mk.I

Lancaster RA583, Mk.I

Lancaster RA584, Mk.I

Lancaster RA585, Mk.I

Lancaster RA586, Mk.I

Lancaster RA587, Mk.I

Lancaster RA588, Mk.I

Avro Lancaster