AVRO Lancaster bomber.

by Jaap van den Berg

AVRO Lancaster bomber.

The Avro Lancaster is an English four-engine heavy bomber from World War II.

The Avro Lancaster pictured is the PA474. The aircraft is operated by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (=BBMF) as a tribute to all members of Bomber Command who served during World War II.

The PA474 was built in 1945 by Vickers-Armstrong at the Broughton factory near Chester. It was to be part of the British Tiger Force for strategic bombing in the Far East. After the end of the war with Japan, the aircraft was no longer needed and the PA474 went into storage. After the turrets were removed, the aircraft was used for photographic reconnaissance duties with 82 Squadron in East and South Africa.

The PA474 was transferred to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1973. On 7 May 2015, the aircraft was hit by a fire in the outer starboard engine. Fortunately, the aircraft was able to land safely at RAF Coningsby. After extensive work, to repair the damage caused by the fire to number four engine, it flew again on 12 October 2015. Due to proper maintenance, the aircraft is expected to remain airworthy until 2065.

This photo was taken during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on 13 July 2018.