WD933 climbs under the power of its two Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 7s - the resulting 70 per cent increase in thrust, compared with the Canberra B.2’s standard Rolls-Royce Avon powerplants, gave it a spectacular performance.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

Initially ordered as a standard Canberra B.2 for the RAF, WD933 was transferred to Vickers-Armstrongs from RAF charge on April 13, 1951.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

The Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire-powered Canberra on a happier occasion, posing for Flight’s camera.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

The remains of Canberra WD933 lying at the end of the long trail it scraped across Bitteswell’s grass and runway. The engineless aircraft touched down smoothly on its belly, but then flipped onto its back before skidding to rest.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

A dramatic view of Canberra WD933 upside-down on the grass at Bitteswell after its attempted engineless belly-landing on November 10, 1954.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

The mangled, inverted and mud-caked wreck­age of WD933’s nose after the crash on November 10, 1954 - miraculously, both crew members were able (just) to walk away from the scene. The observer's seat may be seen towards the centre of each picture.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949