The Avro Lancaster heavy bomber is one of the most famous military aircraft of all time; first flown on 9th January 1941, the type entered service with the RAF in December 1941. It was for one special raid in 1943 that the Lancaster achieved its greatest fame, the attack on the Ruhr dams. Dr. Barnes Wallis of Vickers had developed a weapon suitable for use against certain strategic targets such as dams, this being the famous 'bouncing bomb'. The bomb had to be spun at 500 r.p.m. prior to release (for the attack on the Moehne and Eder dams) at precisely 352 km/h (220 mph) and at an altitude of exactly 18.27m (60ft). When released, the bomb would skip across the water until it hit the dam wall, against which it would sink to a depth of 9.14m (30ft) before exploding. In March 1943 no.617 Squadron, RAF, was formed at Scampton to undertake to attack on several Ruhr dams, which would seriously affect German war production and also cause severe flooding. After much low flying practice, 19 specially modified Lancaster B.IIIs led by the Commanding Officer, Wing commander Guy Gibson, took off during the night of 16/17th May to attack the dames. Nine aircraft unsuccessfully went for the Sorpe, Ennepe and Lister dams.
Of the 19 Lancasters, five were shot down or crashed before reaching their targets, two were lost over the dams and another was shot down while returning. 32 of the aircrew were decorated, and Wing Commander Gibson received the Victoria Cross; for their achievement that night, No.617 Squadron has always been known as 'The Dam Busters'. The Lancaster B.III (Special) was powered by four Packard-built Rolls Royce Merlin engines rated at 1,300 hp (later Merlin 38s of 1,390 hp and Merlin 224s of 1,620 hp were also used). Maximum speed (standard aircraft: 432 km/h (270 mph) at 5,786m (19,000ft). Wing span: 31.1m (102ft). Length: 20.98m (68ft 11in). Height: 5.94m (19ft 6in). Armament (dam raids): one special mine, weight 4,204 kg (9,251lbs), including RDX explosive charge of 3000kg (6,601lbs). Defensive armament: 7.7mm (0.303in) Browning machine guns, two infront turret and four in tail turret.
Regarded as the finest heavy bomber of World War Two, the Lancaster dropped more bombs than any other aircraft in history.
This fine kit captures completely this superb machine. Alternative markings and a full bomb load are included
Markings included for: - No 617 Squadron, RAF, Scampton, England, May 1943.
- No 617 Squadron, RAF, Scampton, England, December 1943.
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