Avro Lancaster B Mk.II - The Forgotten Lancaster

Рет қаралды 139,956

Күн бұрын

Here we shall look at a Radial Engine powered Lancaster B Mk.II Bomber.
Please note - In the video, I mention the Bristol Hercules Mk.14, it should be Mk.16.
Also, I said that the Merlin engine is an in-line engine. I should have said The Merlin is a Supercharged, geared, pressure liquid cooled V-Engine, fitted with a two-speed Supercharger.
I'm sorry about this. Thanks for watching. Bryan
As always, we shall be referring to wartime Air Ministry Manuals.
Textual extracts from Air Ministry Air Publications are Crown Copyright and transcribed with the kind permission of the National Archives, London. All colour diagrams are based on original Air Ministry Air Publications mono illustrations and transcribed into colour by Bryan Atkinson with the permission of the National Archives, London.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:12 First, a Big Thank you
1:03 How many Lancaster IIs were built?
1:22 Why was the Lancaster II Built?
2:01 The Lancaster Mk. II Prototype
2:29 Armstrong Whitworth Factory
3:01 First Production Batch
3:36 Second Production Batch
4:05 The Packard Merlin
4:37 Sent for Trials
4:46 No. 61 Squadron Tests
5:50 Lancaster B Mk. II's first Operation
6:09 A Height Problem
7:06 No. 115 Squadron RAF
8:06 Don't mix the Engines!
8:51 No. 514 Squadron RAF
9:12 The Royal Canadian Air Force
9:22 No. 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron RCAF
9:44 No. 408 (Goose) Squadron RCAF
9:58 No. 432 (Leaside) Squadron RCAF
10:59 The Lancaster Mk. II in more Detail
11:27 The Bristol Hercules Engine
11:53 The Power Egg
12:04 The Engine Firewall & Exhaust Manifold Ring
12:18 The Engine Cowlings
12:37 Differences in the Cockpit
12:49 Lancaster Mk. I Instrument Panel
12:52 Lancaster Mk. II Instrument Panel
13:16 Comparing the Flight Engineer’s Panels
13:56 The Pilot's Auxiliary Panel
14:37 The FN.64 Mid Lower Gun Turret
15:22 The Bulged Bomb Bay
15:42 Carrying the 8,000lb Bomb
16:02 Differences in Bomb Loads
16:31 D-Day and only two Squadrons left
16:53 Lancaster B Mk. II, LL735
The material contained in this video is intended for historical, reference, and entertainment value only, and is not to be construed as usable for aircraft or component restoration, maintenance, or use.
Consort for Brass - Classical Rousing by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Photographs Used:
San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Royal Air Force official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Breeze (Mr), Royal Air Force official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
RAF Chedburgh, Royal Air Force official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Vickers Wellington
Press Agency photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Beaufighter
SDASM, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Handley Page Halifax
Australian official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Avro Lancaster S Sugar
Press Agency photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
British Ministry of Information via Australian armed forces, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ministry of Information official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ministry of Aircraft Production (MAP), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Royal Air Force official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Royal Canadian Air Force official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Press Agency photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
D Day
Hampton, J A (Lt), Royal Navy official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Saunders Roe SR/A1
British official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Metrovick Beryl Jet Engine
Barmaglot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
U Boat
HQ Coastal Command, Royal Air Force official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Whitley Bomber
Hensser H (F/O), Royal Air Force official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Handley Page Halifax
Bellamy W (Mr), Royal Air Force official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
8,000lb Super Cookie
Royal Air Force official photographer, Clark N S (Fg Off), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The below photographs are included with the kind permission of Harold A Skaarup:-
Avro Lancaster Mk. II (Serial No. DS723), coded EQ-B, No. 408 Squadron, RCAF. (No. 408 Squadron Photo)
Avro Lancaster B Mk. I (Serial No. R5727), was built in the UK and flown to Victory Aircraft in Malton, Canada in August 1942 to serve as a pattern for the other Lancasters to be built in Canada. These photos shown the FN.64 Mid Lower Gun Turret as fitted to the Lancaster Mk.I (CFJIC-DND Photos, PL-1182, PL-1174, PL-1175, and PL-1180 via Don Smith)
#lancasterbomber #avrolancaster #ukaircraftexplored

Пікірлер: 404

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Please note: In the Video I say Bristol Hercules Mk.14 - it should be 16. Sorry about this. I have corrected the captions. Also, I say that the Merlin engine is an in-line engine. I should have said The Merlin is a Supercharged, geared, pressure liquid cooled V-Engine, fitted with a two-speed Supercharger. I'm sorry about this. I seriously thought about deleting the video and re uploading, but all my views and comments would be lost. Thanks for watching everyone! Bryan

@colvinator1611 Жыл бұрын

It doesn't matter about the hiccups Brian. You're doing a great job for history.

@jbepsilon Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't stress over the inline thing. AFAICS the WWII aircraft engine literature typically talks about radials vs. inlines, with inlines implying liquid cooled engines with cylinders behind each others, including in multiple cylinder banks like in a V engine. And yes, even including weird/exotic things like the Napier Sabre with it's H configuration.

@DavidRLentz Жыл бұрын

No worries, mate. In my own jot- tings, I continue amending and editing, an ongoing process I call "tightening up the knowledge". Some might be simply changing a 14 to a 16. Others might be rather more involved. Still more could include a correction a reader provides.

@martyn6792 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for bringing this to us, I didn't know that any Lancaster used anything other than Merlin engines, nor that some had a lower turret. Don't worry about minor discrepencies, it doesn't spoil the experience

@patchthesinclair5896 Жыл бұрын

I understood your reference to in line to apply to the crankshaft and as such is correct enough⚡👍

@garynew9637 Жыл бұрын

I have stood next to to G for George at the ripe age of 12. I was in awe. AWM, Canberra 1964.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@BrackenDog10 Жыл бұрын

My uncle was the bomb aimer on LL640. Unfortunately their aircraft was shot down in March 1944 and he did not survive. He is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery along with nearly all other members of the crew.

@peggyundjack Жыл бұрын

Visited the Rheinberg war cemetery a few times, well cared for. RiP all that lie in there.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing - Heroes all

@barnbersonol Жыл бұрын

Fair dues to the Germans. They did generally treat dead airmen pretty well.

@russellherbert9670 Жыл бұрын

Sad, heroes all

@KP-viking88 Жыл бұрын

My Great Uncle was on DS678 (115 sqdn). His Lanc was shot down March 44 as well, grave has been lost over time but I went to his rededication ceremony a few years ago.

@Anglo_Saxon1 Жыл бұрын

I like how the Air Ministry even made sure they had a workable radial engined version of the Lancaster just on the offchance that the Merlin's weren't available for what ever reason.You've really got to hand it to the British engineers.It seems as though there was nothing that they overlooked during the war.Brilliant.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

That's certainly very true Karl. With all the research I have done over the years, one thing that has always struck me was the amazing depth of detail that took place during the design and construction process of each aircraft type. Also in the operation of all types of aircraft during the war. The entire aviation industry did its best to work as a team. Not all things worked out right, but they certainly worked hard to provide our forces with the best equipment possible at the time. The other thing, of course, was that during that time, technology was constantly changing. Thanks for watching.

@jhorrorfan2116 Жыл бұрын

@@ukaircraftexplored6556 reminds me of how the air ministry requested an alternative powerplant for the Hampden incase Pegasus engines weren't available. Thus the Napier Dagger powered Handley Page Hereford was built. Served with one Operational squadron and competed in a single raid before being relegated to training squadrons. The dagger was terribly unreliable. It wasn't underpowered and the specifications in some areas did exceed the Hampden, it was just Hopelessly unreliable

@d165354 Жыл бұрын

My Grandad (Eric Ilett ) was an inspector on Lancasters during the war. Mainly round Chadderton / Woodford factories, but i do remember my dad saying that he was sent to "help sort problems out at Bristols for a while ??? " so i presume that grandad was one of the team sent from AVROs to Bristols to look into using these engines ( but could be completely wrong ) All my family were AVRO except me......i joined the navy and served in submarines.....well.....one has to rebel Thanks for all these excellent videos, .....the Lanc has always been close to the family. cheers everyone ...mike ilett.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting and thank you for sharing

@ralphscholer7345 Жыл бұрын

An extraordinary channel and very brilliant narrated. Now as a Modell builder I 'm learning a lot of RAF Airpower in WW II. My grandpa was a radio operator in a ME - 110 G Night fighter. He told me, that British Pilots had flying excellent maneuvers and where highly trained for Operations in completely darkness!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, I'm pleased you have found the video interesting

@chrisweeks6973 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for putting this up. My dad was an AID inspector with AWA for over 30 years and worked on the B Mk. II and a whole lot of other types/makes (eg Whitley, Lancaster, Lincoln, Meteor, Hunter, Javelin, Argosy, Sea Slug, etc) over the years until the company closed its doors in the 1960's. AWA had plants at Whitley (where we lived), Baginton and at Bitteswell; dad worked at all three locations over the years and was also seconded to various Bomber Command stations during the war, overseeing retrofits. I still have his factory-issued copy of Flight and The Aeroplane 1947 reviews of the AW 52 Flying Wing, plus the company's Handling Notes on the Hawker Sea Hawk and the Meteor Night Fighter series, Mks.11 to 14. So, lots of memories for me; thanks again.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing and for watching

@AdmV0rl0n Жыл бұрын

within minutes of watching your video - I can see you deserve many more watchers. Top stuff.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@nikepat2112 Ай бұрын

Very interesting, my dad was a flight engineer with 408 Goose Squadron. I seem to remember his plane was B-Bunny but i could be wrong. He was an Englishman flying with the Canadians and was originally billeted with Patrick Moore during basic training and they remained friends post-war.

@petehall889 Жыл бұрын

An excellent description, as always and packed with information - thank you! Nice to see the letters QR of 61 Squadron on many of the profiles. My father's second tour of operations with 61 Sqn was mainly flying Mk1s and later the odd Mk111 from RAF Syerston. His log shows that he flew Mk11s on ops twice - the first, a 6 hour flight on 7th Feb 1943 to Lorient in Lanc 11 serial no.612, carrying 1x4000 pounder and 10 S.B.C.s. The second op of 9hrs 20mins to Milan on 14th Feb 1943 in Lanc 11 serial no.613, carrying 14 S.B.C.s. Both operations attracted the award of a photographic 'gong' for getting good aiming point photos. I still have these, each with a nice drawing of a Lanc with the names of the crew displayed. On the Milan raid, my father's log mentions that there was a fighter attack, which was claimed damaged and driven off. My father, Sqn.Ldr. Geoffrey Hall DFC & Bar passed away in September 1986 - he never spoke much about his experiences, except in letters to his father. They make fascinating reading, but there is so much more I would like to ask him now!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

That is very interesting, thanks so much for sharing.

@gordonwallin2368 Жыл бұрын

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Gordon!

@ModelNerd Жыл бұрын

I really enjoy your detailed videos and the insight they provide - thanks for taking the time to make them. I also really appreciate that you list your media sources at the end - it's very helpful. I came here while thinking about the Airfix Mk II I'm going to build - now I think I'm going to do it in the prototype scheme :)

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome, much more on the way!

@Mark13091961 Жыл бұрын

Superbly done and much appreciated. Between yourself and Neville Wheeldons channel Im learning so much more about an aircraft I thought I knew well. Thank you 👍🏻

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome - Great to hear!

@12jsteve Жыл бұрын

Absolutely fascinating- I had no knowledge of the radial powered Lancasters until quite recently and then up popped your excellent tutorial! Many thanks 👍

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@FinsburyPhil Жыл бұрын

As thorough and informative as ever. Many thanks.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@peggyundjack Жыл бұрын

Thoroughly enjoyed this and all of your video’s. Well researched, looking forward to the next one.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Much more to come! Thanks for watching!

@christopher5723 Жыл бұрын

This showed up in my recommended videos this morning, have to say I'm disappointed that youtube has been hiding your channel for so long. I've been working my way through your other videos and have thoroughly enjoyed them. There's so many military aircraft channels, but so few go into anywhere the kind of detail that you do on your channel.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your kind words Christopher, I put a great deal of work into these videos, and really want to help to keep UK aviation history alive. I can only hope that in time You Tube will put my videos in front of more aviation minded people, who would appreciate my content. Thanks so much for sharing and watching. Onwards and Upwards!

@mikeburnitt403 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I have always been interested in the oddball aitcraft and your video has explained a lot.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@colvinator1611 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thanks a lot. It's so important to keep our history and heritage alive.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree more!

@mpersad Жыл бұрын

Another superbly researched, scripted and illustrated video. Thank you.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

@RobWhittlestone Жыл бұрын

Fascinating! So impressive the innovation and the rapid manufacturing during wartime. Such impressive engineering in those beautiful engines. I think we would have a hard time matching that in today's computerized world where many skills have been lost. Or maybe I'm not up to date with today's manufacturing best practice. Great video, great illustrations. Many thanks. Subscribed. Rob in Switzerland.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for subscribing, I have many videos coming and thanks for watching

@christianbuczko1481 Жыл бұрын

Ive not heard of this aircraft before, the idea behind it is pretty amazing in its own right to be able to continue even if merlins couldnt be used.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you found it interesting, thank you.

@kimchipig Жыл бұрын

Thank you for another amazing video, Bryan. The Hercules was a very advanced engine, in many respects the ultimate air cooled piston engine. Just the Hercules and its sleeve valve system would make for an excellent video.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Great point! Thanks for watching

@modeltraingeek6544 Жыл бұрын

This was extremely interesting I have just a few moments ago ordered the airfix model of this Lancaster variant thank you great work

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@adriaanboogaard8571 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I did make me remember a story on a Post WWII repurposed Lancaster for passengers that crashed into a mountain in poor visabilaty at high altitude because we didn't know about or understand the Jet stream.. they were flying head on with it and descended too soon . It was a mystery until it started resurfacing at the bottom of a Glacier. I have a foggy memory of Rottary Engine's. I do watch lots of these videos and could be incorrect about the Engine

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Yes, it was a BSAA Avro Lancastrian named 'Star Dust' it was fitted with Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. It sadly crashed in 1947. Thanks for watching and sharing.

@davidrees1279 Жыл бұрын

A most interesting video. My highest compliments! I am a fan of the Lancaster B ll despite it's shortcomings. My highest regards.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it

@stuartlorraine9428 Жыл бұрын

The series for the Lancaster and Spitfire have been great (I have to say I have yet to fully view all the videos). I hope we will see more videos of other aircraft in due course. Great work!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I am working on other aircraft, so watch this space! Thanks for watching, you are appreciated.

@terryofford4977 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant descriptive Video of the Lancaster aircraft great technical detail gave added value with the technical descriptives and diagrams, a Wonderful and well produced item. Terry Offord

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

That's very nice of you Terry, I really appreciate your kind words. Yes, my colour diagrams and planning do take a great deal of time, hence I often can't get a video out each week. Still, rest assured, I have many more videos planned. So please check my channel for the latest when posted. Thanks for watching.

@salvelegio1425 Жыл бұрын

It’s not forgotten at all. I am grateful to all involved with these aircrafts. To those who build them and especially to those brave men who flew them. Love from Sweden.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@salvelegio1425 Жыл бұрын

Dear@@ukaircraftexplored6556, Of cause I had no idea about all the technical details concerning the beautiful Lancaster. However, thinking of all inventions that made it happen’d and all those brave men and women who built it and later flew it. It made my eyes strangely wet and I can tell you Sir, forever grateful. Swede by birth but a Britton at heart. Thanks for posting!

@noahwail2444 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@paulschumacher1263 Жыл бұрын

Thanks. A wealth of information! I have always liked the Mk. II, and was overjoyed when Airfix, a few years ago, put out a model of one. I love the radial engine look. And also the ventral turret. Thanks again.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! Hope your model goes well.

@jamescurnick1637 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video...thanks👍

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@androidemulator6952 Жыл бұрын

"Radial engined Lancasters?? , no such animal...." oops , learn something new every day. Thanks for the video !. :)

@JohnRodriguesPhotographer Жыл бұрын

There was a B17 powered by Allison V12 also

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

@declanoleary1 Жыл бұрын

Highly informative, well done

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@kengoold7157 Жыл бұрын

that's really interesting , could never imagined a radial engine Lancaster. thanks

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@Hunter-gq9er Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video thank you for sharing. Very interesting. 👍

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you

@ivormott7309 Жыл бұрын

I recently finished building a Lancaster B.II (Airfix) and as stated in your video it was based at Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire in November 1944. The particular one was 'Fanny Ferkin II'. A highly unusual Lanc also with the pretty ineffective ventral turret operated by periscope! I wanted to do that kit as it is such an unusual version of the legendary plane :)

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

It certainly was. Thanks for watching!

@tonytrott9789 Жыл бұрын

My father was a flight engineer on these with 115 squadron. he was shot down on a mine laying mission to la rochelle. He evaded capture.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@andrewporrelli8268 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video presentation on the wonderful MK-II Lancaster! My Grandfather was kia in DS816 JI-O. June 15, 1944. The black and white image of the mk-II flying you used often in this video is LL734 JI-O, of 514 Squadron. It replaced my Grandad and crewmates a/c after it was lost. 514 converted to mk-IIIs by June 1944. Shared your video on the 514 facebook page. Cheers, 514 Page Admin. P.s. interestingly, 514 was equipped with 2 x MK-IIs with the venteral turrett fitted.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@stevenclarke5606 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting and informative, I had no idea that these Lancaster versions ever existed.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@harrybrown3657 Жыл бұрын

Excellent detail (I had always assumed that all Lancasters were powered by the merlin engines) ☺ The story of the Mustang P51 and it's eventual change to merlin engines and licence to build in America was one I actually was aware of! Fascinating stuff, And so much depended on these developments and the people behind them.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@j-p6422 Жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@andrewdrabble8939 Жыл бұрын

Very informative video. Being an aeroplane buff myself too, I knew of the radial engined Lancs but along with the Blenheim remains a relatively forgotten aircraft

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info and for watching!

@andrewdrabble8939 Жыл бұрын

@@ukaircraftexplored6556 The Short Stirling also falls into the same category as the others in that aeroplane is forgotten too

@CrusaderSports250 Жыл бұрын

And the in line engined Wellington, another rarity, often not forgotten just unknown, the mid lower gun turret was a brilliant idea just needing better visibility, it would have definitely woken a few nightfighters up.

@michaelfairgray6760 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great Video. It was very interesting filling in some information I did know about the Lancaster,

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@SteveMrW Жыл бұрын

Very informative, thank you.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@uslines Жыл бұрын

Beautiful and effective aircraft. Saw one at our airshow in Australia. Ex usaf here.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@philhibberd6667 Жыл бұрын

They have one of these engines in museum in Coventry - Prince Philip asked them what aircraft it was from and rudely told them it was not from a Lancaster. Gutless museum staff didn't explain to him that it was indeed from a radial-engined Lanc.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@neillambton4065 Жыл бұрын

What a real shame they never kept one in a museum somewhere.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

I totally agree, Neil

@Simon_Nonymous Жыл бұрын

A great video - thank you. The interchangeability of engines 'just in case' was a very good idea not only for production numbers, but as some of the projected power outputs weren't achieved as planned I think? The Halifax Mk I/III was a very good example of using both engines, plus the Wellington Mk II used Merlins. There was even an experimental Beaufighter with Merlins but it didn't fare well, and wasn't put into production. I must brace myself to make my Airfix Lancaster B.II soon!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@chitlika Жыл бұрын

some merlin Beau were operational but as yoy say they wernt loved

@paulbrooker5203 Жыл бұрын

Built a model of this Lanc , just a bit different, very informative video, thanks.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@paulkirkland3263 11 ай бұрын

Very interesting, thank you.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@scrubsrc4084 Жыл бұрын

I do enjoy going through the lanc registration book and finding out about the ones that appear in pictures.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@basfinnis Жыл бұрын

Interesting stuff. Thanks 👍

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

No problem 👍

@myaccountmychoice4662 Жыл бұрын

Great video. My uncle was a gunner on one of the Lanc's over Germany way back when. Sadly he never made it back one night.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry to hear that, and thanks for watching.

@myaccountmychoice4662 Жыл бұрын

@@ukaircraftexplored6556 No worries. I actually just stumbled onto your channel. now subd. Great content. He died to defend his loved ones like so many others. Channels like yours keep what they did in peoples minds and therefore they and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Thank you. Also as a pilot it is really nice to learn more about these old birds. Its been a life long dream to fly a WW2 warbird, or for that matter even just ride in one.

@nineteenandfortyone Жыл бұрын

Thanks for a very interesting video an a bomber I had not known about. It is always interesting to see different designs of powerplants other than the American engines I have been familiar with.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it. Thank you.

@Steve-GM0HUU Жыл бұрын

👍Thanks for video. Although I knew that a number of Lancasters were in service with radials, all I could remember was that they were Bristol engines. I really like the detailed drawings.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, you're very welcome. Much more to come!

@Chris1553 Жыл бұрын

The Hercules was used because in 1941 the Merlin engine was in such demand it was feared demand would outstrip production, it had 1752 hp and the service ceiling was lower at 15000 ft whereas the Merlin Lanc has a service ceiling of around 20,000 ft but later Merlin versions had a ceiling of around 24,000 ft

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@mycroft1905 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting and informative. Thanks for posting. It would have been helpful to have some comparative horsepower ratings for the different powerplants discussed in this presentation. Cheers.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I have to say when creating a video like this, it is a bit of a juggling act to decide how far to go with data, etc. Anyway, the maximum power ratings are as follows - Bristol Hercules XVI. 'M' Gear - 1,675 bhp. 'S' Gear - 1,455 bhp. Rolls-Royce Merlin XX. 'M' Gear - 1,240 bhp. 'S' Gear - 1,175 bhp. I hope this helps.

@johnjephcote7636 Жыл бұрын

I read that the Beryl, following the removal from the S.R. flying boat, was used to power Donald Campbell's Bluebird jet boat.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Yes, that's correct

@buffplums Жыл бұрын

Fascinating had no idea there was a radial engined Lanc.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Your welcome!

@draganjagodic4056 Жыл бұрын

Excellent visuals and explanations. Seemed logical to me that these must have existed too. P.S. Subscribed. Such interesting and good technical explanations.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard and thank you for watching

@jadall77 Жыл бұрын

When he stops to plug his video it is pretty cool how all the stuff works on the bomber the turrets but also that turret in night bombers can be replaced with a radar and he has videos about that too.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@jamesmcguinness3981 Жыл бұрын

Wow l❤ this so much thanks so much

@brownydwbrown7485 Жыл бұрын

My friend's Father was a Tail gunner in 426 Squadron in "Linton on Ouse "...With the Bristol Hercules engines. 1944/45...guessing here ( Mark X ) guessing again...

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Could have been the Hercules Mk.VI or XVI engine. Thanks for sharing!

@jamesmcguinness3981 Жыл бұрын

Wow cheers love it

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

@gordonmacaulay4848 Жыл бұрын

Thanks again for a very informative and interesting video. I did know a little about the radial engined Lancaster from a visit to the " Wellington museum" in Moreton in the March. Although dedicated to the Wellington bomber there's a cut away Hercules engine and a photo of a Lancaster fitted with them. I find it difficult to understand that the very complex engine with the parts to operate the "sleve valves" , could be produced and built under war time conditions easier than setting up more RR Merlin plants

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing and for watching

@jonbaker326 Жыл бұрын

Great video...... I didn't even know there was a radial engined Lancaster.... You learn something new every day!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@daystatesniper01 Жыл бұрын

Superb video no b/s just plain facts well done good Sir

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks and I'm so glad you liked it

@derekfromtauranga6012 Жыл бұрын

My late uncle from NZ flew Merlin powered Lancaster’s in WW2. He flew many sorties over Europe and was lucky to survive the war uninjured. He also ferried new aircraft from Halifax in Canada to the UK as well as being a flight instructor. He said the Merlin engines were better than the Packard built Merlin’s but I don’t remember why that was. I would assume the Merlin powered Lancasters could operate at a higher ceiling due to the 2 stage super charging which supplied more air to the engine thus more horsepower at those high altitudes. I think the Rolls Royce Merlin contributed to the winning of WW2 especially in the Spitfires.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@wilburfinnigan2142 5 ай бұрын

derekfromtauranga Sorry ole Bean you are wrong !!!! All Lancaster Mk Bi's & Mk BIII used the Merlin 20 series engines that were SINGLE STAGE 2 SPEED superchargers !!! NOT the 2 stage 60 series engines, why their service ceiling was barely 20,000 ft. This is the MISTAKE most people make is ALL merlins were 2 stage and not true, of the 20,000 $hitfires built only7,000 were Merlin 60 powered, 2 stage supercharges the rest of the 13,000 were all the SINGLE STAGE 2 speed supercharged, the facts of history less the hype lies and just BS stories !!!

@Glicksman1 Жыл бұрын

The following was recently discovered in a very old, dusty, forgotten RAF archive: “In February, 1944, the First Air Board of The Royal Air Ministry, commenced a study under the supervision of Maj. Gen. Alastair Stanley: Various RAF bomber officers were assembled to determine the manner and frequency whereby RAF bombers had been struck by German anti-aircraft guns and by Luftwaffe interceptors. After exhaustive study, it was determined that the bombers were hit more frequently by a factor of three on their Dark Green upper-side parts than on their Dark Earth parts, and more frequently yet on their Matte Black underside parts by a factor of five. A recommendation to the Air Ministry was then made suggesting that all RAF aircraft operating at night over Nazi-controlled territory be henceforth painted Dark Earth overall, eliminating all Matte Black and Dark Green paint entirely in order to reduce such strikes in the future. (see comparison charts annexed hereto) This study was generously submitted to and shared with the U. S. Eighth Army Air Force which, upon further reflection thereof, issued a general order that in order to prevent being struck by German anti-aircraft guns or by Luftwaffe interceptors whatsoever, no paint of any colour (or “color” as the Yanks say it) whatsoever would henceforth be applied to the surfaces of their aircraft.” At least with regard to the American aircraft, this was done. An official report of the result of such has not yet been discovered, but we’re assiduously looking for it. It is not presently known what happened to this study or the people who performed it, but we do know that neither it nor they were, until most recently, ever heard of again.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing and for watching

@Glicksman1 Жыл бұрын

@@ukaircraftexplored6556 My pleasure, We're still looking for that report about the unpainted American aircraft.

@subliutenant Жыл бұрын

I knew vaguely about the MkII Lancaster and had heard of the operational height problems but really enjoyed this informative video! It's a wonder that this aircraft wasn't adapted to carry out long range anti submarine and coastal defence duties. Extra fuel tanks and the addition of 50 cal. machine guns, 20 mm canon and depth charges, would have made this Lancaster a formidable sub and ship killer.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Yes, it could have been. Thanks for watching

@dafyddllewellyn6636 Жыл бұрын

Late in WW2, Harris rounded up the Herculese-engined Lancasters and assigned them to Group 3 of Bomber command, which was using the Gee-H precision-bombing apparatus and did not need Pathfinders. They were able to destroy a lot of the synthetic fuel plants, because of their high accuracy; and also demonstrated this in a precision attack on Trier on December 19, 1944 , in "impossible" weather, which destroyed a centre of concentration of German armour and thus contributed to the failure of "the battle of the bulge". (Ref: "Bomber Harris" ISBN 0-385-11258-0 PP 266/267). The Herculese-powered aircraft were considerably faster at low level than the Merlin XX - engined versions; their bombing altitude was 20,000 feet, versus about 25,000 feet for the Merlin. This presumably reflects that the superchargers of the Herculese were optimised for lower altitudes than those of the Merlin XX, which developed a maximum of 1,240 HP at 12,000 feet in low supercharger gear. The Hercules 16 produced 1375 HP at 4000 feet.

@tempestnut Жыл бұрын

@@dafyddllewellyn6636 Interesting. Finding accurate information on the Hercules has been difficult. The Halifax with the Merlin was a dog and the RR Heritage trust book on the Halifax explains exactly why and does some comparisons with the Lancaster show a huge difference in performance and showing that the Halifax at cruise height and speed was on the point of stall. It’s somewhat of a paradox that when the engine were reversed the Halifax III was the better performing aircraft and could attain a higher altitude. Which begs the question are we comparing apple with apples.

@dafyddllewellyn6636 Жыл бұрын

@@tempestnut One needs to know a lot more than the history books show; The propeller has a major effect, and the cooling drag can be a major factor. The Herculese in the Lancaster II was evidently considerably affected by how the pilot used the cooling gills; getting that wrong could mean you did not have sufficient fuel for the return flight. The wing aspect ratio is also critical. Getting it all optimised was not always possible in the rush of war. For example, the Lancaster was a conversion of the Avro Manchester, by using available Merlin engine "power eggs" that had been developed for (I think) a Merlin-powered version of the Wellington. Early Lancasters had rather pointed propeller-blade tips, but later these were changed to "Paddle" blades, which gave better performance at altitude. All these developmental changes need to be taken into account, to make valid comparisons, so you are correct about "oranges and apples".

@patrickibex 3 ай бұрын

Nice informative video.. on the BII

@josh656 Жыл бұрын

Great channel

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Josh. Much more to come!

@allandavis8201 Жыл бұрын

Wow, what an interesting and very informative episode, I had never heard about the Saunders Roe jet powered flying boat or the engine that powered it, I do consider myself a bit of a military aviation nerd, buff or armchair historian and to have never even heard about the flying boat I can honestly say that you have added another page to my knowledge bank, thanks for making my day, I learnt something new. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇦

@crustyoldfart Жыл бұрын

I remember as a teenager in the late 40's and early 50's that there was a model aircraft kit available from Kiel Kraft kits of the Saunders-roe jet powered flying boat. If my memory serves me well it was to be powered by a Jetex solid fuel powered model rocket engine. In the real world I think that this flying boat was the last gasp of the flying boat era. Their only real advantage was that flying boats did not need runways, and the trend in those days was that higher speed aircraft needed longer runways which were expensive to build. For other reasons the flying boat was a technological dead end, especially in the jet age.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Good 'ol Jetex - I could never get mine to work, all I got was putt putt. Perhaps it was damp. Anyway, I must have been doing something wrong!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

I'm so pleased you have found my video informative. I'm all about promoting UK aviation history. If you have any ideas you'd like to see me cover, please let me know. Thanks so much for watching!

@crustyoldfart Жыл бұрын

@@ukaircraftexplored6556 JETEX - they could be a bit tricky, right enough. I could only afford the smallest one the Jetex 50. The solid fuel pellet was ignited by a fuse which had to be carefully fashioned in a spiral round the pellet, held in place against the pellet with a metal gauze disc then passed through the ejection hole to permit a match to be applied. The fuse strings were quite delicate - they could crumble with rough handling and it was tricky getting them through the ejection hole. The whole assembly was held together with a toggle clip. You needed skilled hands and everything had to be kept clean.

@crustyoldfart Жыл бұрын

@@ukaircraftexplored6556 Informative without doubt -an exhaustive presentation in fact. Regarding other possible subjects : The Fairly Battle might be one. It was a horrible concept, since the Battle was about twice the weight of a Spifire, and powered by the same Merlin. Regarding Lancasters, I had the pleasure of knowing a veteran pilot from 101 Squadron based in Ludford Magna. These were the guys which carried an eighth crew member who spoke German like a native and which broadcasted a voice signal designed to confuse the enemy night fighters. The radio signal was also used by the said fighters to home in. Needless to say the scheme was not popular with the Lancaster aircrews. My friend, who completed nearly two tours was lucky to have survived.

@timmorodgers4271 Жыл бұрын

These videos really are very good! I read that some crews liked the Hercules Lancs because there was very little exhaust glare at night compared to the Merlin powered variants, they also had a faster rate of climb. (edit, I might be wrong on the rate of climb, I'll have to check my "Lancaster at war" books)

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@pommunist Жыл бұрын

Flying along in the dark, with a nice pair of Bristol's either side of you. No wonder 115 Sqd felt safer.

@johnjephcote7636 Жыл бұрын

Many Canadians regretted the removal of their ventral guns. When one thinks of the night fighters later on, creeping up below undetected...

@kellyshistory306 10 ай бұрын

I've read conflicting things about the Lancaster II in terms of performance. Many books claim it "underperformed" compared to the Merlin powered Lancasters, but a lot of the first hand accounts from 426 "Thunderbird" squadron RCAF which flew the type talk about it flying higher than normal lancasters and performing quite well. I suspect the issue may have been the engines; the earlier Mark IIs had the Bristol Hercules VI engine while later marks had the Hercules XVI. I've read the XVI was more "Automatic" and required less tinkering to fly at full efficiency, so I suspect that the poor initial performance of the Lanc II was the earlier marks with the VI engines, while the higher performance you read about in first hand accounts come from the later production models with XVI's. Just a hypothesis of mine however.

@keithnordstrom7392 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting and informative, thank you. Makes me wonder if the MkII might have been a more survivable option for the dambuster raid, but I suspect they may not have been able to cope with the payload. Much appreciated.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome!

@grahamepigney8565 Жыл бұрын

Doubt whether the trype os engine would have mad much if any difference to the casualties in the raid on the Chastise mission. Plus the Mk II could only carry lighter bombload that the Mk I. Given the nature of the losses on the Dams raid different engines would have made little or no difference. Halifaxes with Merlins were superior to the Hercules engined Halifaxes further suggesting that Mk II would not have been any more survivable.

@ericadams3428 10 ай бұрын

Not sure where the idea that the Merlin engined Halifax was superior came from, the Hercules variants came about because of the the poor performance of the Merlin variants and the mark III and later mark VI with the improved Hercules 100 engines were far better. The problems with the Merlin in the Halifax came about because Handley Page ignored Rolls Royce's advice and used their own nacelles instead of the RR power egg like Avro.

@robinwells8879 Жыл бұрын

I drink occasionally in the Chequers pub in Sutton near Ely. We have the site of the old Mepal aerodrome nearby and the pub was frequented by the crews of that New Zealand squadron. There are a number of pictures of the planes and crews and I have always been confused by the mix of in line and radial powered planes. This may explain how I get confused. I must look again soon!🍺🍻

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@leedorey1490 Жыл бұрын

My grandad flew on Lancs from RAF Foulsham 43 onwards. He was a navigator.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@laurentviton7507 Жыл бұрын

Some Mk IIs were fitted with a single .50 Browning in place of the FN 64 turret , as seen on some flying with 408 Goose (RCAF) Squadron for example .

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

I will look into that. Thank you

@cherudge Жыл бұрын

My great uncle’s Mk 2 DS650 crashed on the Scottish boarder and all the crew were killed. The accident was never explained. I wonder now if it was engine failure? My Grandad was shot down in a Mk 3 returning from Druisburg, taken POW. Brian we found his first hand account of this very recently if you are interested? It describes being attacked by night fighters, his time as a POW and his liberation.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@typhoon2827 Жыл бұрын

So forgotten, Airfix have had a model kit of it for ages.

@vincentlefebvre9255 Жыл бұрын

I have the mk II. It's a very good kit.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Enjoy your build, if you buy one!

@paulmillard1130 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this most interesting study .I would like to see details of the sleeve valve arrangement if possible . Many thanks.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Great suggestion and thanks for watching

@jeffgreenfield7025 Жыл бұрын

Ive got several Lancaster bomb control switch panels! Came over to the US with a model train set i picked up. Took a bit to figure out what they were from.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and sharing

@bruceday6799 Жыл бұрын

The Canadians out west are rebuilding another Lanc. They might be interested in or helpful of your parts.

@richphillips4519 Жыл бұрын

My Grandfather was with thunderbirds MK11 DS707 Skippered by The Berlin Kid Roger Coloumbe Gramps was MUG Coloumbe Flew M11s He did twelve trips to the Big City in MK 11s Given him the title of the Berlin Kid .DS 707 was scapped in 1946 only to be resurected in 2012 when a Flasher unit was sold on E.Bay from DS 707 P for Peter .

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@RemusKingOfRome Жыл бұрын

Oh! it looks so strange .. I keep thinking Halifax when i see those engines. :D

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

I know what you mean!

@pibbles-a-plenty1105 Жыл бұрын

Just a light dusting of technical details but of interest to this armchair airman. Thanks!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching

@walteralter9061 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant graphics! I'm now a fan. One day humans will think in diagrams rather than words, lol!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

You and me both!

@walteralter9061 Жыл бұрын

@@ukaircraftexplored6556 But seriously, those diagrams of systems and sub-systems are beautifully done and must represent a lot of hours on your part. They set a standard that I hope will be imitated on all machinery oriented presentations. The prize winner will be a diagram of the mind in terms of levers and pulleys. :)

@cliffordpedley3216 Жыл бұрын

Hi there I had just dropped on your channel I thought it was strange because I saw a Lancaster on Friday 27/08/22 flying over worksop towards Doncaster I had took twice it was really low but it locked fantastic I no the vulcan bomber hear in Doncaster

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@kenstevens5065 Жыл бұрын

At 5.37 the underside view shows the three colour light visual IFF system just aft of the dorsal turret. Rarely seen I presume it was to try and catch out any night intruders trying to sneak in on the circuit.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@angusclark8330 Жыл бұрын

No one, but no one offers this type of authenticity and detail on a topic some might think was closed decades ago. The fact is, men were sent out to live or die in planes that were essentially experimental or cheap knock offs depending how one views the civil service dealing with them. The Handley Page Hampden, as a f'rinstance, should have been retired after the first two or three attempts to bomb Germany, but many crews were sacrificed to Imperial propaganda that Britain can hand it out, before that changed to Britain can take it. Luckily we persisted, but it was a close run thing.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@davehall44 Жыл бұрын

That's the type of Lancaster in my dad's old squadron photo - big radial engines.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@Jollyboy164 Жыл бұрын

Does anyone else remember seeing a Lancaster with jet engines. I saw it in 1955 at Defford aerodrome .Worcestershire.I think they named it the Lancastrian.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Watch this space! And thanks for watching

@hunt4redoctober628 Жыл бұрын

I worked for 15 years at the Avro Woodford site. It had a fantastic history but in the interests of profit, the final owners sold the site in c2013, bulldozed it all flat, including the main hangar where the Lancasters were originally built, and turned it into a housing estate. Shocking destruction of our Aviation history.

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Very sad, a sign of the times. Thanks for sharing

@paulvincent7938 Жыл бұрын

Interesting video. I understand that some Halivax B.VIs were fitted with Hercules 100s in 1945 which ended up with better altitude performance than the Lancaster 1... idle speculation wonders if the Lancaster B.II with that engine would have been better for the RAF!

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@ericadams3428 10 ай бұрын

The mark VI with Hercules 100 did not enter service until Feb 45.

@markhenley5131 Жыл бұрын

I wonder which version had the best fuel efficiency and also engine volume . I suppose the flak 88mm could reach them all with the same ease so no real advantage apart from bombing accuracy . The lanc was such a beautiful piece of kit .

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

It certainly was, Thanks for watching!

@markfisher5628 Жыл бұрын

The B17 was fitted with Allison engines but it couldn't fly as high as the radial engine version, same problem the Lancaster had with the Hercules

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@justme8340 Жыл бұрын

I have a profound fascination with those sleeve valve radial engines. I find them beautiful! (Should I seek counseling?)

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

No, it's quite natural, they were an engineering work of art. Thanks for watching

@blairrighton6270 Жыл бұрын

this is indeed an anorak channel, good work, this also raises a question with me if they ever thought about adopting the Napier Sabre engine as a possible option for the Lancaster, let alone the RR Griffon... anyone out there know?

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@Yosemite-George-61 Жыл бұрын

There is one thing y'all forget... survivability... People get hang up on altitude, range, speed, payload, size of bomb bay etc. Merlin powered Lancs were death traps, I have in my books the accounts of German pilots shooting down 4 Lancs in less than 20 minutes ! They aimed at the wings to give the crews a chance... exept one time when the said pilot broke his leg on landing after taking fire from a rear gunner, he was mad that night so it choose to hose the fuselage, the Lanc immediately caught fire and exploded, nobody survived. After, he felt bad about it. Furthermore, show me pictures of Lancs comming back with the kind of damage a B-17 or a Wellington could sustain... There aren't any out there... lastly, an English RAF officer told me a few years back, the best English bomber was the Hallifax Mark V ... "Real" bombers, have radial engines...

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing and for watching

@andrewporrelli8268 Жыл бұрын

I wholehartedly agree. Veteran I spoke to who flew both the Merlin and Hercules versions of the Lancaster said the MK-II faired much better at dealing with damage. In 514 Squadron, on one occasion, all the cooling fins of a mk-II were blown off leaving the drop point and it was still running when it landed at Waterbeach, much to the amazment of the ground crews. One 514 Lanc had its nose blown clean off by bombs from above, and flew like a "sock" all the way to Waterbeach. Unfortunatly, the bomb aimer was killed.

@davidlawrencebanks4610 Жыл бұрын

The fuel tanks were the target for German fighters. The fuel tanks on the Lancs whether Radial or online engines were the same.... In the wings. Your argument is based on nothing more than hot air my friend. Lancs were never known as death traps... Where do you get this drivell from lol

@jbepsilon Жыл бұрын

@@davidlawrencebanks4610 Well, it's true, to a small extent. Radial engines don't have the pressurized cooling system which is very prone to battle damage, that liquid cooled engines had. So there is a survivability advantage. Of course there are many other ways to get shot down as well. If your wing full of fuel and fuel vapor is exploding you're going down regardless of what engine you have. As for death traps, after the German U-boat service the UK Bomber Command had the highest KIA rate of any service (in the European theater at least). But I'd say that's more due to the way they were deployed rather than any particular difference compared to, say, a B-17.

@Yosemite-George-61 Жыл бұрын

@@davidlawrencebanks4610 My dear friend, you have failed to note that in front of those fuel tanks there are 4 engines, the Merlin having the the reputation of catching fire at the slightest hit, some times they were kind enough to do it without any external help. The Bristols feared a bit better but no where near the Cyclones and Wasps that would sit there and keep runnin with missing cylinders. That's why there are numerous accounts of German pilots running out of ammo while shooting at a B-17 that somehow keeps flying, all the while there are numerous accounts of said pilots setting a Merling powered Lanc on fire with just a few 20mm shells... so that's why your beloved Lanc is a death trap... and that's why you're full of hot air when you argue otherwhise...

@martyndeyoung8207 Жыл бұрын

An oft-forgotten version - thanks for your historical research. Do you have something similar about the last of the Lancaster family, the Shackleton? I remember them flying in Singapore in the late '60s when my father was stationed at Changi

@ukaircraftexplored6556 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, the Shackleton is certainly an aircraft for consideration