Canberra

[PeterN2]

I see the Canberra has been retired from the RAFafter 55 years service. It must have been the longest serving aircraft in the RAF. Sad to see it go but it had a longer innings than most aircraft.

Regards

Peter.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Defen ... tvideo.htm

[Karl/Pa.]

Oh my. Thanks for posting this. I had no idea that any were still flying. I'm intimately acquanted with the American B57 versions, made by Martin. I was in the crash crew at Martin Airport late 60s-early 70s and Martin-Marietta was contracted to install the then-new Martin-Baker 0/0 seat in them, both single and two seater versions. At that time there were 96 of them still in service, just back from Viet Nam. 94 were assigned to the Alaska Air National Guard and NASA had two.

As the youngest crew member I was assigned to the quick-dash Purple K/Light Water unit as initial rescueman. The first time I saw one of these start up, I thought "Oh God, here we go." There was a sharp report and black smoke billowed out of the Nr. 2 engine. Everyone else just laughed. I had never seen an engine that required 10 gauge black powder shotgun shells to start it.

Prettiest version was the night fighter. All black with red striping outlining all the control surfaces.

[PeterN2]

I read in the Daily Telegraph today that the last three aircraft are flying today from RAF Marham to RAF Kemble for storage. They understand they are up for sale if you want one.

Regards

Peter.

[Karl/Pa.]

I don't love 'em THAT much. Also heard that Argentina is still flying them.