English Electric Canberra

Despite sounding like something that ought to toast bread or warm a three-bar fire, the English Electric Canberra was Britain’s first operational jet bomber and one of the great aeronautical successes of the post-war period. In this substantial and profusely illustrated history, Ken Delve, Peter Green and John Clemons examine the development, service and remarkable international career of an aircraft designed at the dawn of the jet age but apparently too useful to accept the usual invitation to become obsolete.

Created as a high-speed successor to the de Havilland Mosquito, the Canberra first flew in 1949 and entered RAF service in 1951. Its clean airframe, broad wings and twin Rolls-Royce Avon engines gave it excellent high-altitude performance, allowing it to fly above many contemporary fighters until the fighters inconsiderately improved. What began as a straightforward bomber subsequently became a photographic reconnaissance platform, trainer, electronic-warfare aircraft, target tug and experimental test-bed: the military aviation equivalent of buying a very good coat and discovering that it also makes tea.

The authors trace the Canberra through its many marks and modifications, its service with RAF squadrons and its operations around the world. It appeared in the tense skies of the Cold War, flew bombing and reconnaissance missions, set performance records and carried cameras into places where the owners of the landscape might not have appreciated the attention. Its long nose, bubble canopy and great straight wings became familiar wherever Britain still maintained an air base, strategic interest or slightly optimistic map shaded in pink.

The Canberra was also a notable export success. It served with numerous overseas air forces, was built in Australia and was selected by the United States, where it emerged under licence as the Martin B-57. This was the unusual spectacle of the Americans deciding that a British aircraft was perfectly adequate and resisting the immediate urge to replace every component. In its various forms the Canberra saw service in conflicts and reconnaissance operations across several continents, proving itself adaptable, dependable and extremely reluctant to retire.

Packed into 272 pages are photographs, technical detail, variant information and the sort of operational history in which a change to the nose glazing can occupy an enthusiast for a deeply satisfying afternoon. This is not merely a celebration of an attractive aeroplane but a thorough reference to its development, RAF service and overseas career, making it ideal for aviation historians, modellers and anyone who believes the designation B(I).8 is more informative than most modern conversation.

Published by Midland Counties Publications in 1992, this copy is in Very Good condition. Like the Canberra itself, it has seen some time pass but remains impressively serviceable and ready for another detailed sortie.

Keep browsing: See more War books Other books by Ken Delve Peter Green and John Clemons