65 Avro Lancaster I
Author:
Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
Profile
Synopsis: The Avro Lancaster represents the pinnacle of British heavy bomber design during World War II, evolving from the troubled Manchester twin-engine bomber into one of history's most successful strategic bombers. This detailed profile chronicles the development story beginning with Roy Chadwick's innovative decision to replace the unreliable Rolls-Royce Vulture engines with four proven Merlin powerplants, transforming a mediocre aircraft into a war-winning weapon. The book explores the Lancaster I's design philosophy, emphasizing its massive 33-foot bomb bay capable of carrying the legendary "Grand Slam" and "Tallboy" earthquake bombs, making it the only aircraft capable of delivering these specialized weapons. Technical specifications reveal the aircraft's impressive capabilities: powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engines producing 1,280 horsepower each, achieving a maximum speed of 287 mph at 11,500 feet, with a service ceiling of 24,500 feet and maximum range of 2,530 miles. The profile details the aircraft's defensive armament of eight .303 Browning machine guns mounted in three turrets, analyzing the effectiveness and limitations of this defensive suite. Operational history covers the Lancaster's introduction with No. 44 Squadron in late 1941 and its subsequent deployment across Bomber Command's strategic offensive against Germany. The book provides comprehensive coverage of famous operations including the Dambusters raid of May 1943, where specially modified Lancasters carried Barnes Wallis's bouncing bombs against German dams. Other notable missions examined include the sinking of the Tirpitz, precision attacks on V-weapon sites, and the controversial area bombing campaigns against German cities. The profile includes detailed accounts of crew experiences, survival rates, and the psychological demands of bomber operations over occupied Europe. Technical analysis covers various marks and modifications, including the installation of H2S radar, navigation equipment improvements, and defensive countermeasures development. The book examines production history across multiple manufacturers including Avro, Austin Motors, Metropolitan-Vickers, Armstrong Whitworth, and Victory Aircraft in Canada, with total production reaching 7,377 aircraft. Post-war service coverage includes the Lancaster's role in Tiger Force preparations for Pacific operations, maritime reconnaissance variants, and civilian conversions. The comprehensive profile features detailed cutaway drawings, cockpit layouts, and color schemes from various squadrons, making it an indispensable reference for understanding this legendary bomber's technical and operational legacy.
65 Avro Lancaster I, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.
Search Books Alphabetically by Title: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |