Cloud-shrouded mountains form a typical backdrop to a Canberra at La Calorta airfield, Caracas, Venezuela, where the author demonstrated the type in front of Venezuela’s president in April 1953. This Canberra is actually one of the B.2s of 12 Sqn RAF, which toured South America in late 1952. In January 1953 Venezuela became the first foreign customer to order the type from English Electric.

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

Six new Canberra B.2s were diverted from the second British production contract to go to Venezuela. The third, 3-A-39, previously WH721, is seen here in England shortly before delivery in the first half of 1953. It served with the 39th Bomber Squadron.

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

A Canberra B.2 for Peru at Warton.

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

Canberras under refurbishment at Samlesbury in the 1960s. Many were recycled, either to return to their original operators or to go to new overseas customers.

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

A Canberra B.2 wearing Ethiopian national markings during a pre-delivery test flight from Samlesbury.

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

The author, second from right, and test navigator Jim Evans watch Jimmy Dell in a Lightning at Warton on May 13, 1969, the 20th anniversary of the Canberra’s maiden flight, before demonstrating the first B.62 for Argentina. Note the broad leather belt around Bee’s waist: a g-suit substitute, agricultural but effective.

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

The first Canberra B.2 for Venezuela, 1-A-39, demonstrating at Maracay-Boca de Rio Air Force Base in May 1954.

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

Tenente (Lieutenant) Luis Leon, senior pilot of the Venezuelan Canberra unit and the first to solo on the type, stands alongside his personal aircraft, 2-A-39.

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

Canberra B(I).8 0923 was originally supplied to Venezuela in 1957 as 4-B-39. It was later returned to BAC, where it was refurbished and modernised to B(I).68 standard, and is seen at Warton in 1971, awaiting redelivery to its original owners.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra B(I).8 / PR.9 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1954

A production Canberra B.12 for South Africa displays that nation’s distinctive markings and its wingtip tanks.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra B(I).8 / PR.9 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1954

A brace of B(I).58s for India on test from Samlesbury in 1953.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra B(I).8 / PR.9 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1954

Lancashire weather provides a moody setting for this study of a Canberra B.12 destined for New Zealand. Its Canberras were later sold to India in 1970 where the aircraft saw extensive combat against Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, undertaking precision night attacks.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra B(I).8 / PR.9 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1954