English Electric Canberra
History
Work on designing a jet powered bomber by English Electric started in 1944. Initially as a private idea to build a replacement for the Mosquito bomber. The Air Ministry in the summer of 1945 issued specification E.3/45 for a light jet bomber capable of carrying a 4000lb bomb load over 1400 nautical miles and with a ceiling of 50000 feet. In addition the aircraft was to have a crew of 2, be un-armed and use a radar bombing system, so was born the Canberra.
Versions
Canberra B.1
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 570mph |
The Canberra B.1 was the initial production version of the English Electric Canberra bomber. Introduced in 1951, it was equipped with a pressurized cockpit, two Rolls-Royce Avon jet engines, and had a maximum speed of around 580 mph (933 km/h). The B.1 could carry a bomb load of up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) and was designed for high-altitude bombing. It was the first jet bomber used by the Royal Air Force, setting the standard for subsequent Canberra variants. Its design emphasized simplicity, reliability, and performance, leading to its widespread use.
Canberra B.2
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 517mph | 46712lb (max) | 66ft 11.5in | 65ft 6in |
The B.2 featured a spacious cockpit with a crew of three, including a pilot, navigator, and bomb aimer. It was equipped with a bomb bay capable of carrying a significant payload and could be adapted for reconnaissance and other roles.
Canberra PR.3
The Canberra PR.3 was a photo-reconnaissance variant of the English Electric Canberra bomber, developed in the early 1950s. Based on the Canberra B.2, the PR.3 was equipped with specialized camera equipment instead of a bomb bay, allowing it to perform high-altitude photographic reconnaissance missions. It retained the same Rolls-Royce Avon engines, providing excellent range and altitude capabilities. The PR.3 was one of the earliest jet-powered reconnaissance aircraft in the RAF’s inventory, contributing significantly to intelligence gathering during its service.
Canberra T.4
The Canberra T.4 was a trainer variant of the English Electric Canberra, developed to train pilots for Canberra bomber operations. Introduced in the early 1950s, the T.4 featured dual controls, allowing both the instructor and trainee to operate the aircraft. It retained the overall design and performance characteristics of the bomber versions but was equipped with an extended canopy to accommodate the instructor and trainee side by side. The T.4 played a crucial role in transitioning pilots to jet-powered bombers, ensuring they were proficient in operating the Canberra in various mission profiles.
Canberra B.5
The Canberra B.5 was a prototype version developed as a transitional design between the B.2 and later models. It introduced structural changes, including a shortened nose and modified bomb bay to accommodate new systems. The B.5 served as a testbed for the Avon R.A.7 engines and other enhancements that would be implemented in later Canberra variants, such as the B.6. Although only a few B.5s were built, their development was crucial in refining the Canberra’s design and capabilities for future operational models.
Canberra B.6
The Canberra B.6 was an improved variant of the English Electric Canberra, building on the B.5’s developments. Introduced in the mid-1950s, it featured more powerful Rolls-Royce Avon 109 engines, which enhanced performance, particularly at high altitudes. The B.6 also had increased fuel capacity for extended range and could carry a wider variety of bombs and reconnaissance equipment. It was versatile, serving in various roles, including tactical bombing, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The B.6 was used by the RAF and exported to several other air forces.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 605mph | 22265lb (empty), 53000Il (max) | 64ft | 65ft 5in |
Canberra B.6 (RC)
The Canberra B.6 (RC) was a specialized variant of the Canberra B.6, modified for reconnaissance and electronic countermeasures (ECM) missions. The “RC” stands for Reconnaissance and Countermeasures, indicating its dual role. This variant was equipped with advanced electronic surveillance equipment and cameras, making it suitable for gathering intelligence and performing electronic warfare tasks. It retained the B.6’s powerful engines and extended range, allowing it to operate effectively in both reconnaissance and ECM roles during the Cold War.
Canberra B(I).6
The Canberra B.6 (I) was a specialized variant of the Canberra B.6, designed for interdiction roles. The “I” stands for “Interdictor,” indicating its focus on attacking enemy supply lines, infrastructure, and other strategic targets behind front lines. The B.6 (I) was equipped with advanced navigation and targeting systems, enabling precise strikes on enemy positions. It retained the B.6’s enhanced engines and range, making it a versatile aircraft for both bombing and reconnaissance missions. This variant was primarily used by the Royal Air Force during the Cold War.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 537mph | 22708lb (empty), 57022lb (max) |
Canberra PR.7
The Canberra PR.7 was a photo-reconnaissance variant of the English Electric Canberra, developed from the B.6 model. It was designed for long-range, high-altitude reconnaissance missions and featured specialized camera equipment housed in the aircraft’s fuselage. The PR.7 retained the B.6’s Rolls-Royce Avon engines, offering enhanced performance and extended range. This variant was widely used by the Royal Air Force during the 1950s and 1960s for intelligence gathering and surveillance, particularly during the Cold War. Its ability to operate at high altitudes made it effective in gathering detailed imagery over enemy territory.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 580 mph | 22780lbs (empty), 55000lbs (max) | 63ft 11in | 66ft 8in |
Canberra B(I).8
The Canberra B(I).8 was an interdictor variant of the English Electric Canberra, developed to replace the B(I).6. It was designed for tactical bombing, low-level attack, and ground support missions. The B(I).8 featured a modified nose to house a navigational radar and a side-by-side cockpit configuration for the pilot and navigator. It also had underwing pylons for carrying additional bombs or rockets. Introduced in the late 1950s, the B(I).8 was used by the Royal Air Force and several other air forces, providing a flexible platform for various combat roles.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 580moh | 23173lb (empty), 55134 (max) | 64ft | 65ft 6in |
Canberra PR.9
The Canberra PR.9 was a high-altitude photo-reconnaissance variant of the English Electric Canberra, introduced in the late 1950s. It featured a redesigned fuselage with a longer wingspan and a more powerful Rolls-Royce Avon 206 engine, allowing it to operate at higher altitudes and longer ranges than earlier variants. The PR.9 had a distinctive offset cockpit, giving the pilot improved visibility. It was equipped with advanced cameras for detailed reconnaissance missions, making it an essential tool for intelligence gathering during the Cold War. The PR.9 served with the RAF until 2006.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 620mph | 54950lb (max) | 67ft 10in | 66ft 8in |
Canberra U.10
The Canberra U.10 was an unmanned target drone variant of the English Electric Canberra, converted from older B.2 and B.6 models. It was used primarily by the Royal Navy for missile testing and training exercises. The U.10 was remotely controlled and could simulate enemy aircraft, providing a realistic target for testing anti-aircraft weapons and missiles. The conversion to the U.10 involved adding remote control systems and removing unnecessary equipment to optimize the aircraft for its new role as a target drone.
Canberra T.11
The Canberra T.11 was a trainer variant of the English Electric Canberra, developed specifically for training radar operators. Introduced in the 1950s, it was equipped with a new nose design to house radar equipment and had a dual-control cockpit to facilitate instruction. The T.11 was used to train both pilots and radar operators, providing them with hands-on experience in operating the radar systems that were critical for Cold War-era defence. It was primarily used by the Royal Air Force and other allied air forces.
Canberra B(I).12
The Canberra B(I).12 was an interdictor variant of the English Electric Canberra, similar to the B(I).8 but developed primarily for export. It featured a side-by-side cockpit configuration, a redesigned nose to accommodate a navigational radar, and underwing pylons for carrying bombs, rockets, or additional fuel tanks. The B(I).12 was used for tactical bombing, ground attack, and close air support missions. It was exported to several countries, including New Zealand, India, and South Africa, where it served in various military operations.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 560mph | 23170lbs (empty), 56250lbs (max) | 63ft 11in | 65ft 6in |
Canberra T.13
The Canberra T.13 was a trainer variant of the English Electric Canberra, specifically developed for export to the Peruvian Air Force. It was similar to the T.4, featuring dual controls for pilot training. The T.13 was used to train pilots and navigators in operating Canberra bombers, ensuring they were proficient in handling the aircraft’s systems and flight characteristics. This variant helped extend the operational life and effectiveness of the Canberra in the Peruvian Air Force, supporting both training and operational missions.
Canberra U.14
The Canberra U.14 was an unmanned target drone variant of the English Electric Canberra, similar to the U.10. It was primarily used by the Royal Navy for missile testing and training exercises. The U.14 was converted from earlier Canberra models and equipped with remote control systems, allowing it to be operated as a high-speed target for live-fire training with surface-to-air missiles. This variant was instrumental in providing realistic training scenarios for naval air defence systems.
Canberra B.15
The Canberra B.15 was a modified version of the Canberra B.6, developed for use by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. It was adapted for low-level strike missions and equipped with underwing hardpoints to carry bombs, rockets, or fuel tanks. The B.15 featured upgraded avionics and was capable of operating in harsh environments, making it suitable for maritime strike roles. It was primarily used for ground attack missions and had a longer service life due to its versatility and adaptability to different combat scenarios.
Canberra B.16
The Canberra B.16 was an upgraded variant of the Canberra B.2, primarily used by the Royal Air Force in a tactical bomber role. Introduced in the 1950s, the B.16 featured improved avionics, underwing hardpoints for additional ordnance, and enhanced range capabilities. It was designed for low-level bombing missions and could carry a variety of weapons, including bombs and rockets. The B.16 was also adapted for maritime strike operations, making it a versatile aircraft in both ground attack and naval roles. It saw extensive service during the Cold War.
Canberra T.17
The Canberra T.17 was an electronic warfare (EW) training variant of the English Electric Canberra, developed in the 1960s. It was modified from earlier bomber versions to train aircrews in electronic countermeasures (ECM) and radar jamming techniques. The T.17 featured a distinctive bulbous nose, housing various radar and ECM equipment used to simulate enemy radar signals and electronic threats. It played a crucial role in preparing RAF crews for electronic warfare operations during the Cold War, helping them develop tactics to counter increasingly sophisticated enemy air defences.
Canberra T.17A
The Canberra T.17A was an updated electronic warfare (EW) training variant of the Canberra T.17, introduced in the 1980s. It retained the distinctive bulbous nose, but featured modernized electronic countermeasures (ECM) and radar systems. The T.17A was used by the Royal Air Force to simulate enemy radar and electronic threats, providing advanced training for aircrews in electronic warfare tactics. This variant helped prepare crews for the complexities of modern warfare by enhancing their ability to counter enemy radar and missile systems during the late Cold War period.
Canberra TT.18
The Canberra TT.18 was a target-towing variant of the English Electric Canberra, developed in the 1970s from earlier B.2 and B.6 models. It was used by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy to tow aerial targets for gunnery and missile training exercises. The TT.18 was equipped with target winches and towing gear in place of its bomb bay and carried bright, high-visibility markings to distinguish it during training missions. This variant played a crucial role in training aircrews and ground forces in air-to-air and surface-to-air combat.
Canberra T.19
The Canberra T.19 was a specialized training variant of the Canberra, primarily used for radar and electronic warfare training. It was similar to the T.11 but was modified with additional radar and avionics equipment to train radar operators and electronic warfare officers. The T.19 played a key role in preparing crews for the challenges of electronic warfare during the Cold War, allowing them to practice operating and countering radar systems in a controlled environment. It was used by the Royal Air Force and other allied air forces.
Canberra B.20
The Canberra B.20 was an Australian-built variant of the English Electric Canberra, produced by the Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) under license. Based on the British B.2 model, the B.20 was adapted to suit Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) requirements, including modifications for tropical operations. It was equipped with Rolls-Royce Avon engines and used primarily for bombing, reconnaissance, and later, for target towing. The Canberra B.20 saw extensive service with the RAAF, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, including operations in Southeast Asia.
Canberra T.21
The Canberra T.21 was a specialized variant of the English Electric Canberra designed primarily for high-altitude training. It was a two-seat trainer version of the Canberra PR.9 reconnaissance aircraft.Key features and adaptations of the T.21 included: Dual controls: To accommodate both a pilot and a student pilot, the T.21 featured a second set of controls in the rear cockpit. Modified nose: The nose was redesigned to accommodate the additional instrumentation and equipment required for training purposes. Reduced fuel capacity: To make way for the training equipment, the T.21 had a slightly reduced fuel capacity compared to the PR.9.
The Canberra T.21 played a crucial role in training RAF aircrew for high-altitude operations, ensuring that pilots were prepared to fly the Canberra at its maximum capabilities. Its ability to operate at high altitudes was essential for tasks such as reconnaissance and strategic bombing.
Canberra T.22
The Canberra T.22 was a specialized variant of the English Electric Canberra aircraft, developed for the Royal Navy. The T.22 was primarily designed as a training aircraft for Buccaneer navigators. It was a conversion of the existing Canberra PR.7 reconnaissance variant.
The main modification to create the T.22 was the removal of the PR.7’s reconnaissance equipment and the installation of a Buccaneer radar in the nose. This allowed trainee navigators to practice using the same radar system they would encounter in operational Buccaneers.
The T.22 was introduced into service in 1973. It was used by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Requirements and Aircraft Direction Unit (FRADU) for training purposes.
Canberra B(I).56
The B(I).56 was created by refurbishing ex-RAF Canberra bombers, specifically the B.2 and B.6 models for Peru.
Canberra PR.57
A tropicalised version of the PR.7 for the Indian Air Force, of which a total of 5 were created.
Canberra B(I).58
The B(I).58 was a tropicalised version of the B(I).8 for the Indian Air Force. A total of 38 were produced.
Canberra B.62
The B.62 were refurbished versions of the B.2 for use by the Argentinian air force. The B.62 was during by Argentina during the Falkland’s war in 1982.
Canberra T.64
The T.64 was created by refurbishing the T.4 trainer model of the Canberra. Two T.64 aircraft were produced and sold to Argentina.
Canberra B(I).66
The B(I).66 was a refurbished bomber variant created for export. 10 refurbished B(I).6 bombers were sold to India as the B(I).66 model.
Canberra PR.67
The PR.67 were refurbished PR.7’s for use by the Indian Air Force, a total of 2 were produced.
Canberra B(I).68
The B(I).68 was created by refurbishing existing Canberra B(I).8 bombers for use by the armed forces of Peru.
Canberra B(I).72
Export version of the B.2 for the armed forces of Peru.
Canberra T.94
A modified version of the T.4 for export to Argentina. The order was completed but never delivered to Argentina.
