English Electric Canberra WK163

[capney]

This particular English Electric Canberra I pictured at the Yorkshire Air Show of 2006
This is a record breaker...
In August 1957, Canberra B.2 WK163 captured the world altitude record. With the help of a Napier "Double Scorpion" NScD1/2 rocket motor WK163 achieved a height of 70,310 feet.
The Canberra was produced in about 36 variations and was in use with major world Air Forces during the 1950s, 60, and 70s there are still 10 privately owed versions flying the air show circuits.
For awhile I worked on a Squadron equipped with the Mk PR7. A photo reconnaissance version that carried some amazing cameras and could stay airborne at an amazing altitude for several hours. As I remember it was not the most user friendly aircraft but a real delight to see the performance being shown off at air shows.

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[pete]

Another old British design, when we were still a world leader in such things.

[mikkel]

I live not too far from RAF Marham where one of these crash-landed a matter of years ago and I seem to recall, the crew were sadly killed?

[nazimundo]

It's a while since I last saw one of these Robert, we once camped not far from RAF Coningsby and there was one doing circuits, sadly no photos though, Ann was very pleased when we went to see the Battle of Britain flight as she was allowed to touch the Lancaster but the would not let her use a spanner on it ;D ;D

Alfie

[capney]

I have to report I have had the pleasure of working on a Lancaster, but that is another story to be posted another time

[capney]

Feb 18, 2010 0:05:34 GMT @mikkel said:

I live not too far from RAF Marham where one of these crash-landed a matter of years ago and I seem to recall, the crew were sadly killed?

That was probable 39 Squadrons TR4. It was September 2004 while they were practising touch and go landings.
Both pilots died but the navigator survived an ejection from the aircraft.