Lancaster (Total: 7,377, Canadian: 90, Group 90)
Avro Lancaster
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
Lancaster Bomber
Wikipedia 
Harold A Skaarup Web Page Lancaster TW647, Mk.I
s/n TW647
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 647
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW648, Mk.I
s/n TW648
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 648
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW649, Mk.I
s/n TW649
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 649
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW650, Mk.I
s/n TW650
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 650
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW651, Mk.I
s/n TW651
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 651
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW652, Mk.I
s/n TW652
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 652
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW653, Mk.I
s/n TW653
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 653
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW654, Mk.I
s/n TW654
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 654
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW655, Mk.I
s/n TW655
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 655
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW656, Mk.I
s/n TW656
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 656
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW657, Mk.I
s/n TW657
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 657
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW658, Mk.I
s/n TW658
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 658
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW659, Mk.I
s/n TW659
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 659
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW660, Mk.I
s/n TW660
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 660
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW661, Mk.I
s/n TW661
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 661
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW662, Mk.I
s/n TW662
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 662
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW663, Mk.I
s/n TW663
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 663
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW664, Mk.I
s/n TW664
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 664
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW665, Mk.I
s/n TW665
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 665
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW666, Mk.I
s/n TW666
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 666
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW667, Mk.I
s/n TW667
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 667
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW668, Mk.I
s/n TW668
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 668
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW669, Mk.I
s/n TW669
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 669
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW670, Mk.I
s/n TW670
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 670
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW671, Mk.I
s/n TW671
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 671
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW858, Mk.I
s/n TW858
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 858
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW859, Mk.I
s/n TW859
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 859
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW860, Mk.I
s/n TW860
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 860
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW861, Mk.I
s/n TW861
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 861
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW862, Mk.I
s/n TW862
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 862
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW863, Mk.I
s/n TW863
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 863
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW864, Mk.I
s/n TW864
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 864
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW865, Mk.I
s/n TW865
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 865
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW866, Mk.I
s/n TW866
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 866
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW867, Mk.I
s/n TW867
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 867
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW868, Mk.I
s/n TW868
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 868
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW869, Mk.I
s/n TW869
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 869
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW870, Mk.I
s/n TW870
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 870
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW871, Mk.I
s/n TW871
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 871
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW872, Mk.I
s/n TW872
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 872
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW873, Mk.I
s/n TW873
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 873
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW878, Mk.I
s/n TW878
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 878
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW879, Mk.I
s/n TW879
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 879
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW880, Mk.I
s/n TW880
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 880
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW881, Mk.I
s/n TW881
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 881
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW882, Mk.I
s/n TW882
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 882
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW883, Mk.I
s/n TW883
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 883
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW884, Mk.I
s/n TW884
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 884
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW885, Mk.I
s/n TW885
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 885
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW886, Mk.I
s/n TW886
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 886
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW887, Mk.I
s/n TW887
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 887
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW888, Mk.I
s/n TW888
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 888
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW889, Mk.I
s/n TW889
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 889
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW890, Mk.I
s/n TW890
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 890
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW891, Mk.I
s/n TW891
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 891
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW892, Mk.I
s/n TW892
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 892
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW893, Mk.I
s/n TW893
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 893
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW894, Mk.I
s/n TW894
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 894
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW895, Mk.I
s/n TW895
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 895
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW896, Mk.I
s/n TW896
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 896
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW897, Mk.I
s/n TW897
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 897
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW898, Mk.I
s/n TW898
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 898
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW899, Mk.I
s/n TW899
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 899
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW900, Mk.I
s/n TW900
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 900
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW901, Mk.I
s/n TW901
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 901
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW902, Mk.I
s/n TW902
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 902
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW903, Mk.I
s/n TW903
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 903
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW904, Mk.I
s/n TW904
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 904
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW905, Mk.I
s/n TW905
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 905
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW906, Mk.I
s/n TW906
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 906
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW907, Mk.I
s/n TW907
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 907
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW908, Mk.I
s/n TW908
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 908
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW909, Mk.I
s/n TW909
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 909
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW910, Mk.I
s/n TW910
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 910
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW911, Mk.I
s/n TW911
Armstrong Whitworth
TW 911
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW915, Mk.I
s/n TW915
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 915
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW916, Mk.I
s/n TW916
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 916
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW917, Mk.I
s/n TW917
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 917
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW918, Mk.I
s/n TW918
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 918
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW919, Mk.I
s/n TW919
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 919
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW920, Mk.I
s/n TW920
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 920
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW921, Mk.I
s/n TW921
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 921
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW922, Mk.I
s/n TW922
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 922
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW923, Mk.I
s/n TW923
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 923
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW924, Mk.I
s/n TW924
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 924
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW925, Mk.I
s/n TW925
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 925
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW926, Mk.I
s/n TW926
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 926
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW927, Mk.I
s/n TW927
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 927
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW928, Mk.I
s/n TW928
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 928
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Lancaster TW929, Mk.I
s/n TW929
Metropolitan-Vickers
TW 929
Merlin
last update: 2025-March-10
Avro Lancaster
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) | |
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| Powerplants: | Lancaster Mk.I, III, VI, VII & X:
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| Propellers: | Lancaster Mk.I, III, VI, VII & X:
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| Performance: | ||
| Maximum speed: |
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| Armament: | ||
| Standard: |
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| Alternative/additional: |
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| Bomb loads: | Typical:
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| Communication and navigation equipment: |
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| Radio Countermeasures: |
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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.