Aeroplane Monthly 1991-07
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Personal album
Canberra B(I).8 WT339 was built by Short Brothers & Harland and was part of a batch of 30 aircraft delivered to the RAF between July 1955 and June 1956. After serving with Nos 88, 14, 3 and 16 Sqns, this particular Canberra became instructional airframe 8198M in June 1972.
All four aircraft in neat formation at 2,500ft, flying at 250kt. Furthest from the camera is the Vampire T.11; the variant was operated by the RAF from 1952 to 1967 and was the Service’s first jet aircraft on which pilots qualified for their wings. Power was supplied by one 3,500lb-thrust D.H. Goblin 35 engine.
At bottom left is Hunter F.6 (FGA.9 ???) XE616. It was built in the greatest numbers of any Hunter variant and first entered RAF service in 1956. It was powered by a 10,000lb-thrust Rolls-Royce Avon 203 engine and was phased out of RAF service by 1962. This photograph was selected for the squadron Christmas card.
Bristol Brigand T.4 RH802. The Brigand was the last piston-engined light bomber in service with the RAF. It entered service with 84 Sqn in 1949, and was finally phased out - in its radar-trainer form - in 1958. The Brigand was powered by two 2,500 h.p. Bristol Centaurus 57 radial engines.
Another view of Brigand T.4 RH802. One of around 150 Brigands built, RH802 was built as a B.1 and later modified as a trainer. In its T.4 and T.5 variants, the Brigand had the rear half of its canopy blacked-out for the training of Airborne Interception radar operators.
A good view of Canberra B(I).8 WT339 with the Brigand feverishly trying to keep pace.